upon waking

I know what I am about to do

the anticipation makes my mouth water

no coffee today

no herbal tea

made one mug at a time

today is a spice tea day

my mom’s recipe

a taste of home

the one I grew up in

the little house

at the end of the dead end street

the one with the kitchen so small

it was like an afterthought

oh, but the meals my mother made there

I smile at the memories

spice tea was special

not for everyday

for company

like when she hosted cards

the only outing with friends she went to each month

sometimes they’d come to our house

the living room would be filled with women

sitting at card tables in folding chairs

talking, laughing, snacking and even smoking

and no one smoked at our house

except my grandfather

the few times a year they visited

usually we went to them

spice tea became a Christmas traditon

mom would make it early

we’d drink it as we opened presents

ladled into Christmas mugs

one after the other

until the giant saucepan was empty

it is made for winter days and snow days

gloomy gray days

for the scent of cinnamon and cloves

makes you smile

even before the sugary citrus flavored tea

passes by your lips

I’ve burned my tongue more than once

rushing to take the first sip

oh, how I love it

today is one of those days

I didn’t make it on Christmas this year 

I usually do

it’s early morning on New Year’s Eve day instead

the spice tea is on the stove

my first mug is at my elbow

almost time for the second

it’s as good as I remember mom making it

my sister too

a taste of home

soul food

comfort in a mug

memories too

© 2011 Turquoise Tangles