tea ceremony #12/ poem by Laurence Carr

veiled in bags, a shroud of dust
these unknown leaves
from unknown climes
sealed in paper boxes
like old tut’s poor relations
their perfume long wafted off
its nose long lost like mr. sphinx

closer now to compost
than shiny leaves in tropic air
we drink in memory
of those past days
we held the chariot’s reins

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This poem was previously published in  the book, Paradise Loft, published by CAPS Press and Lightwood Press.

Laurence Carr is the publisher of Lightwood Press. His books include: Paradise Loft, The Wytheport Tales; Pancake Hollow Primer; Threnodies, poems in remembrance, and TRAVERSE, a collaboration with artist Power Boothe. He’s edited four anthologies for Codhill Press.