Camel Sweat and Other Songs

Camel Sweat and Other Songs

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Lapsang Suchong satisfies me

In ways no other tea can. I pour

Boiling water onto the leaves

And comfort my face in steam.

Tea and memories swirl

When I allow the solitude.

I swallow the last sip.

Campfire smoke lingers

On my tongue.

When I cross the mountains

Going east, my heart sings.

I fell in love with my first husband

Because he smelled of saddle leather.

Pungent sagebrush in dry autumn

Evening makes me homesick

For the first good years we shared.

I stand beside my son’s grave,

Head raised into the prairie wind

Hoping it will carry off my sorrows.

But they return

Mixed with other tears

And blow into my face

When I walk barefoot

Across Pacific tide flats.

I return to my cabin, pour

Boiling water over tea leaves,

Burn sage I brought from home

And comfort myself.

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