Azza and I Share a Cup of Tea
We find a perfect piece of shade underneath the warm sun,
and Azza pours the tea before she speaks
Azza never looks the same.
Each time you get close enough, each time you think you know her,
she reveals another surface
If you don’t pay attention, you might almost miss it
the way her crisp white toub falls gracefully on her shoulders,
how the gold crescent in her nose accentuates her face tenderly
Azza is timid, but captures your attention
She is not a mere stop on your destination
So, plan to stay awhile.
Listen to the way she uses language to weave stories full of heart
Pay attention to how she sings songs of love
Count the scars and ask her how many battles she has fought
You will be surprised to learn how many of them she’s won.
Sip your tea slowly and know that she will offer you a place to stay
Let her soft voice trickle into your ears, and
Let the cool breeze touch your skin
No need for formalities,
Azza has no care for them
She has no need for ceremony nor procedure
She takes big leaps, wanders on the dangerous route
She fears nothing, and is ready to risk it all
She is fearless, but never reckless
Beautiful, but never boastful
Smart, and always dreaming
She paints pictures of hopes and what-ifs
See how her eyes light up when she talks of future
Notice when she smiles
Because it does not happen often
Savor the moment,
Ask her the questions
Listen to the answers
Sip your tea slowly
by Leena Badri
from Pank Magazine, 2020