Camellia

In the grey and misty morning,
When crawling from your bed,
Its natural infusion,
Will clear your weary head,
And in the deepest dark of night,
Come stormy wind and rain,
It will warm your lonely heart,
The amber in the porcelain.

Just set your kettle on the stove,
To boil the water up,
Brew it in a china pot,
And serve it in a china cup.

For several minutes (three to five),
Whenever it's desired,
The leaves are given time to steep,
So patience is required.

You may serve it piping hot,
Or iced when it is sunny,
Flavour it with liquorice,
With lemon, milk or honey.

There's a perfect preparation,
For any mood you're feeling,
From smokey lapsang souchong,
To Assam or Darjeeling,
White or yellow,
Green or oolong,
Black or post-fermented,
Earl Grey or masala chai,
Rose or jasmine scented.

The soothing, bitter remedy,
Alleviates frustration;
A consummate companion,
To quiet contemplation.

Although the earth may crumble,
No matter what the rub,
Seek refuge from the humble
Camellia sinensis shrub.