Tea....

The clouds are thick today. All is grey. I love days like this. It's like living in an 1800's English Novel. It feels so good to be alive. These grey rainy days remind me of when I first arrived here. I was soaked, in search of warmth and respite. The tea shop on Main Street caught my eye. On the outside, it was painted to look like a gingerbread house. Inside, all the walls were painted in the darkest of hues. Tiny spotlights in the ceiling beamed their light on to the myriad-colored chintz teapots. It created a dream-like effect! I had stepped into Wonderland. The proprietress asked if I wanted tea for one. I said, "Yes, please." I may have even bowed. She rang a bell. Tinkle, tinkle.

A gate slowly opened, and I was escorted into an in indoor replica of a village garden. The ceiling at the back of the shop was all midnight blue, with shiny golden stars. Scones, cakes, tomato and cucumber sandwiches, Devonshire cream were brought out, along with truffles and champagne. And, of course, pots and pots of hot tea. Oh! It was ever so delightful.

For three years, I was a frequent guest at the tea shop. It was a beautiful living dream. Alas, as all of us know too well, dreams end. We are awakened, and we must rise. We remain consoled because we retain the memory of the dream. And, we retain the lesson. Like any good fable, dreams have morals and truths to teach us.

As for tea itself, well, tea is comforting. The aroma, and the sensation bring one home to God, so to speak. "In this cup of tea, I, who was once lost, now am found."

What saith thou, gentle reader? Would you like a cup of tea?