Spring In The Teacup Poem by VO THI NHU MAI

now the slow spring breeze
even the peach trees hold their breath
The cold has delayed past the promise of swallows

I chose the lotus West Lake's hundred-petal bloom
still wet with morning
her scent, soft silk of memory
to cradle this year's first tea

In my quiet house, smoke curls from pomelo peel
and a whisper of rain braids itself into steam
you came from far away, but here

watch the green buds rise
in the wide-mouthed porcelain.
they reach, they bloom
like something sweet to remember

drink slowly, let the fragrance stay between us
let the lotus read where words would stumble
all of spring has gathered in this one cup

and when you go, do not take perfume
take only this taste, this moment
carry it gently on your lips
a season the cup still sings

Copyright © Võ Thị Như Mai