TEA-rrific

Tea-na and Trevor worked together for years. They had a good working relationship. Employer and employee . . . with benefits. Finally, Tea-na left for a full-time job. They met in the city at times by providence, and Trevor would say, 

'Lovely to see you. Howz things? Let's stop for a cup of char.*' 

Mostly, they met by chance, though he always went to the post office at a set time each Friday, and Tea-na went to her favourite butchers close by at around the same time after work. A nearby tearooms beckoned. For them, tea possessed a profound power, a force that could reunite them intimately, transcending the barriers of time and distance.

After the last occasion, they lost touch for almost a year. Yet, their feelings for each other remained steadfast, unaltered by the passage of time. Like a well-brewed tea, their love only grew stronger until they finally met again.

'Let's go back to mine for a cup of tea this time,' he said, sliding his arm in hers.

It reminded me of the words of Vincent Youman's song.

'Picture you upon my knee

Tea for two and two for tea

Me for you

And you for me alone . . .' 

Her eyes sparkled. 'It's been too long since our Oolong,' she said, placing her other hand on his arm as they walked back to his place a few blocks away. I knew that neither of them had tea on their minds. She was his cup of tea - a case of 'Love me, drink me,' but not 'Brew me.' I had become a metaphor for something more than just a beverage. I became the embodiment of their romantic love, their cup of tea. Later, in the afterglow, they would relax, dip, and sip one of my brew-tiful varieTEAs.

I will tell you about myself. I am a gift to mankind. Enjoy this 'present' any time of day or night. (If you can't sleep, I highly recommend my chamomile varieTEA.)

Tea is served as a representation of social status, politeness, and hospitality. In some ways, I have lost popularity in the face of my cousin beveridge, coffee. But with all the new flavours and the fact that the world has become a vast melting pot of different cultures, tea is still popular, relaxing, and therapeutic.

In the words of Jasper Fforde*, 'Each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage. There is no problem on earth that can't be ameliorated by a hot bath and a cup of tea.' I concur. 'A cup full of calm is T41', and 'Don't worry, TEA happy.' This makes sense. The same picture would look wrong with someone's favourite coffee sitting in the soap holder as they luxuriate amidst the soothing suds of an aromatherapy bath. When you think about it, nature's bounty of leaves versus ground beans? Steeped leaves versus coffee grinds? Which sounds more restoring?

Everyone has their own favourite flavour. You can probably remember Percy Smart's, Aunt Hildegarde's favourite tea, Earl Grey. On the subject of Earl Grey, the popularity of this bergamot-flavoured brew, along with Lady Grey and various other blends, has led to its darker nemesis, 'gumboot tea'. (a New Zealand description since 1997– the equivalent of the U.K.'s 'builder's tea') Named as such by the ordinary tea drinkers, who prefer the plain, unperfumed varieTEAs.

Others have their own ways of brewing tea and conduct their associated etiquette for drinking it. For example, compare the formal Japanese tea ceremony emphasising harmony and respect with the British teatime, which signifies manners and class. There is little comparison, except they both use some form of teapot.

Since the 1970s, teabags have been used. Eleanor Roosevelt is known for her comparison of teabags versus women. 'A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water,' and a few other versions on the same theme. For example, 'A woman, like a teabag, doesn't know how strong she is until she finds herself in hot water.'

'Authors may use tea as a metaphor for change, like transforming a scoop of leaves into a concoction mirroring character development or plot twists. The environment required for tea cultivation can serve as a metaphor for survival. Tea in literature inspires elegance and poetry, making it a popular choice for authors who want to add a touch of class to their works.*' 

You must have all read at least one book featuring a scene depicting tea drinking. I'm not suggesting the famous Mad Hattter's Tea Party attended by Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. That farce is a slap in the face for those who feel artistry and elegance in reading about classic tea parties, which evoke emotions. The quality of a Regency tea party is not duplicated in these times.

Tea is more than just a simple refreshment, in literature. It's a vehicle that authors use to convey deeper meanings and cultural practices. In Chinese literature, tea is often associated with humility and reflection. In Indian literature, tea drinking portrays camaraderie and hospitality. One's culture dictates the feelings inherent in imagining the consumption of one's preferred infusion.

As Tea-na and Trevor sat in the afterglow of their love, sipping their favourite brew, Earl Grey, my favourite, they spoke of infiniTEA and beyond.

The sun dipped towards the horizon as its rays filtered through the sun-seeking, climbing roses that had scaled the top edge of the wall surrounding Trevor's enclosed back courtyard. They sat opposite each other on ornate metal garden chairs at the little outdoor table. Trevor always steeped tea perfectly. As they sipped, they gazed into each other's eyes.

'I love you forever and never want to be parted from you. I never want to lose touch with you again,' said Trevor.

'I'm so glad we met up again. You suit me to a TEA.'

'What a reLEAF, my love. Let us plan our next tete-a-TEA.'

'TEA-rrific idea.'

* Char is an old English slang expression for tea from Mandarin.

*Quote by Jasper Fforde - Sticker Bliss. http://sticker-bliss.com/texts-pictures/facebook-status/3F7D74 

*The idea of the italicised sentences was adapted from an article about tea drinking in literature.