Alchemy in a Cup

I am
 the steam
  rising from the rim,
 a coil of smoke
  that tastes like recklessness
   and the faint ache
    of sweetness
     you didn’t expect.

I am
 bitter
  and burning,
 then honeyed
  and soft,
 a shape-shifter
  in milk
   and shadow.
I overflow.
I drip.
I linger.

Some sip me slow,
 some gag at the edge
  of my flavor,
some never touch me at all.
I do not mourn.
I do not change.

I am
 the swirl of dusk
  in a teacup,
the warm tremor
 along your spine,
the hush of sugar
  melting
   where it shouldn’t.

I steep
 in myself,
always,
 sometimes too long,
 sometimes just enough.

I will not dilute,
 will not pour myself
  into a mold
   that does not fit
    the shape of me.

I am many cups in one:
 dark roast,
  wild honey,
   milk foam,
    shadow,
     light.

I am loud,
 soft,
  overflowing,
   empty,
    all at once.

And if you do not taste me,
 if you do not linger,
I will still be delicious-
 exactly as I am.

Reviews

[Vol]

Sarah,
Unabashed self-examination is an ancient theme; Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." You sound confident, strong, and satisfied with what you have discovered. This time, you studied one facet of who you are; another time, you may look down another path and discover even more. Internal audits are always profitable. Publishing one as liberated as this one makes me wish we cold share a cold one.
Vol

[Curly Grace]

Well, I travel for work, so if I'm ever in your neck of the woods, I would gladly stop at the local pub and bend your ear, Vol

[Brandon Houser]

Uncompromising, multi-layered, and an abundance of humanity for the reader. Your cup overfloweth.

[Betty Hermelee]

Hi Sarah....what an extraordinary piece! I love the metaphor...every word is poetic and meaningful...self discovery and pride...you show your self as strong and eager to try new paths in life....you definitely show your likes and dislikes and why not? Thank you for sharing!
Warmly, B

[jacob erin-cilberto]

This is so clever. I love a good metaphor that is carried through a poem from beginning to end.
Nice and tidy...This cup of ? is a personality profile of the sipper.
I don't know if I would be delicious, but I am happy "exactly as I am."

[Curly Grace]

Thank you so much for this thoughtful read. I’m glad the metaphor carried itself clearly for you; it felt like the right vessel for exploring all the little flavors we hold inside. I love your idea that the cup becomes a kind of personality profile for whoever sips from it. That’s such a lovely way to think about how we meet each other in poems. And yes, being "exactly as we are" is its own kind of deliciousness. I’m grateful you shared that with me.

[Curly Grace]

Thank you, B.
I’m glad the metaphor and the self‑discovery in it came through so clearly for you.

[John the Baptist]

I would say this is a very independent cup of tea. Imbibe with caution.

[Curly Grace]

Caution noted.
But the brave usually go back for a second taste... ;) wink

[Randall]

Nothing like a good cup of coffee. And spending the day dreaming of such things written.

[Curly Grace]

I love a good cup of coffee as well. Daydreaming is by far my favorite activity.

[Arundass TP]

Excellent poem. Really loved it

[Curly Grace]

Thank you so much.
I’m glad the piece resonated with you.

[Kenneth The Poet]

Now, I want a miel. Great stuff here.

[Curly Grace]

Thank you.
Seems the honey did its job. ;) wink

[Brad Dehler]

Sipping slow with warm tremors. This feels like a sequel to your other "cup". The swirling mysterious smoke, the milk foam. Inviting to taste again and again. And this is also a lesson to "not linger". As to keep the intrigue. "Exactly as" you are

[Curly Grace]

i have been playing with layouts. trying to see from the other lens. I enjoy reading so much I try to look at it from the other side....