Two Cups of Tea

"The first time you share tea with a Balti [or a Pakistani], you are a stranger. The second time you take tea, you are an honored guest. The third time you share a cup of tea, you become family, and for our family, we are prepared to do anything, even die."

- Haji Ali in Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace ... One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson  

As I sip this cup of tea,

Am I permitted to reminisce 

About our two cups of tea?

Or is that choice taken away from me too

As you took away my cup of tea?

"Would you like to have a cup of tea?"

Yes please, with honey

Not sugar, if you may please.

If it is alright that I may sit with you

While we drink from our cups of tea?

I am making tea.

Anyone wants tea? Only one.

Then why create the fuss 

If we brew only two cups of tea?

Let us slowly savor 

Our two cups of tea.

One bag of tea

Makes two cups of tea.

"Because I like my tea light

And perhaps now, you and your company.

So it is alright that you  may sit with me

While we drink from our cups of tea."

First time. You are a stranger.

Second time. I am an honored guest.

Third time. We are family.

Infinith time? "Sorry, you should leave.

Forget me. Forget even your cup of tea."

And so it shall be.

Two forgotten cups of tea.