Civil discourse

Tea for two
by David Weller


tea for two
for you and me

rather for a cup
to sup, to gather

whether hot or warm
we charm or not

yes, leaves to please
with ease it relieves

tea in a cup
yes, sup with me


Synonymous with the British Empire is the afternoon tea. The ritual of having tea in Japan has survived many centuries; it is an honored tradition, from the preparation of the drink to drinking mannerisms. It is a ritual of civilized culture, with civil speech in a civil setting.

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