Chai

It is an art.

A Comfort.

Tradition.

A time of day

Among friends

Or strangers.

It is a friendly tea.

Warm.

Sweet.

Home.

It comes from the heart of quiet African woman

with a big smile and calloused feet.

Her children may not eat today

but she is more than happy to stoke up the fire to boil water for your humble tin

cup of sweet milky chai.

My sister has mastered this art.

We sit here in Illinois,

along with Abe Lincoln and his cabinet,

And though it is far away from home, as are we,

it is still made from the heart,

its true origin.

Heather A.
2007