Although I am an American I rather enjoy a cup of tea in the afternoon. I picked up the habit while traveling in Kazakhstan positioned along the Silk Road. Everyone I know enjoys a little tea in the afternoon so I thought to myself "Why not invite Life over for tea?" Not having a good reason not to, I sat down at my desk in the den and wrote an invitation on my best stationary in my best handwriting. After sealing it in the envelope I was suddenly aware I had no address for Life so where was I to send this invitation. A thought then occurred to me "I shall address it 'To:Life' and place it in the fire." It seemed to me that I had read of this method being used to communicate with spirits and having no other choice; I carefully wrote out "To:Life" and placed it in the fire not knowing, but hoping it would work.
On the appointed day I anxiously awoke and began preparing for my special visitor. I dusted the photos on the mantle and cleaned my good china tea set purchased at a bazaar on the Silk Road. I gathered fresh flowers from the garden and baked my favorite sweet, poppie seed bread. Once everything was ready I took my shower and changed in to a white flower print sundress.
As the hour approached I grew even more anxious thinking "What a fool you must be to believe that someone as important as Life would join you for tea!"I shook off that thought and rose to set the kettle on the stove. Finishing I turned around just as the clock in the den began to sound and before it reached three the bell at the door rang twice. "Could it be?" I thought to myself. I steadied my nerves and walked to the door. Not sure what to expect I turned the handle. As the door began to open a scent drifted in. It smelled of rose carried on a lavender breeze.
There she stood before me dressed to her best. As delicate as a butterfly she greeted me by name as I brought her inside. She appeared thirteen or so I thought, after looking away and returning again she had gained fifteen years and was suddenly a beautiful woman. She saw I was startled and reached out her hand taking mine in hers she explained the transition "I am Life you see; both young and old, the newly born and soon dying. But, to make things easier for you I will remain as you now see me." As I smiled at her the kettle began its whistle. I struggled to turn away for my gaze had been captured by her beauty. I rose from my chair and her hand slipped from mine; a coldness crept in and I stood with a shiver. I rushed to the kettle and hurriedly filled the tea pot. With tray in hand I walked to the den to find her admiring a photo of mine. The picture I'd taken of my son just moments after he was born. "I remember the day he was born" she said looking at me. Seeing the tear fall from my eye she took the tray and led me to sit next to her. She poured us both a cup of tea as memories passed, both happy and sad.
I don't know what I expected when I invited Life over for tea, but what I experienced was Life; we laughed, we cried as memories floated on. I shall never forget the day Life stopped in.
Emily Ray Frisbie
Bravo! :laugh:
would you like some tea, madam?
Wow that was awesome. ;D
Thanks for sharing, Emily