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# Tea
- URL: https://dianaludwick.com/tea/
- Published: 2026-03-01T23:33:48.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T20:11:15.000Z
- Description: “Tea,” an ode to sisterhood and validation, written March 1st, poem 060 in a series of 365 poems written by Diana Ludwick in 2026. Photo, "Tea for Two," by Diana Ludwick (c) 2026
- Author: Diana Ludwick
- Tags: 2026 Poetry Challenge, Poems, Community, Divorce, Hope, March, parenting, relationships, Tea, Women, #Migrated-1792872215677, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-10-24 20:03

Decades ago in early September  
our elder hall customs advisors  
gathered us first years on the floor  
of a dorm hall carpeted in grey-blue.  
  
Hunched over our empty mugs  
newly bought from the Book Shop  
we eyed the fresh mint leaf tea  
steeping in a traditional Moroccan teapot  
wafting smells of hope to the homesick  
young women — some of us still girls —   
who had left everything we knew  
for the strange roommates around us.  
  
Our Alma Mater knew well  
that tea is a communal prayer  
and that a Hall Tea held early semester  
while all encircled and cross-legged   
drives light into the murky emotions  
that arise from having left home   
making bold moves off and away   
from the comfort of the known  
staking our futures on a new reality.  
  
And so are we surprised that today  
decades removed and miles away  
we both instinctively selected hot tea  
as we sat for a Sunday communion?  
  
It was unplanned yet fitting that  
as we divulged the brave choices  
and impossible decisions that each  
accompanied our hard-earned  
study guides and crash courses  
from the University of Uncoupling.  
  
We sipped our hot beverages   
as we took turns describing   
our respective departures  
from marriages once treasured  
that no longer *Sparked Joy* (TM).  
  
We bonded over indignant recognition  
spurred by the time-delayed freedom  
that comes with untangling unions  
pronouncing time of death on  
shared vows, now wrested apart.  
  
For we both know, all too well  
of the long, dark, winding path   
to one's new self must take  
when young children are at stake.  
  
As we drank Earl Grey and spilled tea  
we raised eyebrows and shook heads  
we exclaimed, "EXACTLY!" often  
in recognition of the other's stories  
in which we saw ourselves clearly  
like a reflection in our shining brews.  
  
We shared our hard learned lessons  
and advised of stumbles to avoid.  
"It gets better," I state, and I meant it.  
"This hard transition will be worth it."  
  
We rose to clear our empty cups  
I smiled with direct eyes and cheer:  
"Congratulations!" and I meant it  
and she grinned back widely  
and she meant it.   
  
Bubbling with validation and calm  
we both carried our shoulders lighter   
buoyed that her path forward now  
no longer felt quite so ominous.  
  
The magic of a tea ceremony  
never fails to transform us  
we left the table springy,  
fresh as mint leaves.  
  
We walked our separate ways   
leaving sure we can do anything  
because we still carry the power  
of Sisterhood long ago steeped  
like warm tea running through us  
giving lifeblood and direction  
no matter the new chapter or hurdle  
our community holds us, encircled.