Susan LaffertyPause in the afternoon.
Fix a small teapot of darjeeling. Or steep ginger herbal tea in porcelain cups.
The simple cultural practice learned in other lands remains in my life today.
Taking time. Away from chores and computer and concerns. Sitting quietly or visiting with a friend.
Daily pause. To breathe.
Sometimes troubles flow. Underneath.
A running series of concerns. Questions darting here and there.
Waking in the night. Persistent through the day. Disquiet, rhythmic.
Children’s needs. Aging parents. Friends’ struggles.
Natural disasters. State of the world.
Future plans, uncertain.
You name it.
Imperfect? Cast aside. Returned. Disposed of.
We look for something with all the parts and pieces intact. No scratches. Strong. Durable. Reliable.
“As it should be.”
This expectation? Just another subtle hint at the permanence we were made for.
But meanwhile, things fall apart. Disappoint.
Flaws come to light.
