It’s always interesting to look back at the creative legacy that built T Ching as a resource for tea lovers. In the early days, there were several writers who published tea-themed haiku. Below are some selected poems from the earlier days of our tea writers. Poets are invited to submit more poetry inspired by the tea experience.
There are many historic connections between tea and the Haiku masters of Japan. One of the most famous, Kobayashi Issa, is known by his pen name, “Issa” that translates as “cup of tea”. And the most famous Haiku poet, Basho, is known for writing many tea haiku.
Drinking the morning green tea,
The monk is calm.
The flowers of chrysanthemum.
— Matsuo Bashō,
Strange how a teapot
Can represent at the same time
The comforts of solitude
And the pleasures of company
– Zen Haiku
mindful and focused
all your five senses aroused
graceful as a cat
– Phyll Sheng
Warm morning sun glows
My coffee, your tea, friendship
The time! where’s our check?!
– Anne Lerch
Gunmetal grey sky
Chill air fills my mouth and nose
Hot tea in red hands
–Anne Lerch
New day dawns misty
Tea leaves await their harvest
Fuji-san watches
– Anonymous
Boiling, brewing, steep
The aroma drifts up slow
Finally, I drink.
–Kelbe Thompson
Rich dark liquid
Isles of Japan in a cup
Scalding, healing, brew.
– Kelbe Thompson
Image of Basho by Hokusai is available through Creative Commons via Wikimedia Commons
