a teapot

a teapot

I thought to go to the swap shop today
where things can be taken without pay
I saw on a shelf, almost out of sight
a green teapot in a shaft of light.
I put it in my bag and took it away
now in my tea room it will stay.

an everyday teapot, is it’s aim
nothing fancy, it has no grand claim
the simple elegance of its use
with hot tea, bagged or loose.
the pot looks fine, brown and green
daily on the table it can be seen.
___________________________________

a teapot, another glance

olive green like fields in early spring
russet brown like mountains waiting for new growth,
I pour the hot water over the black leaves,
I pause while the tea releases acrid essence
I sip the tea, gaze at the pot,
and see a universe.  

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
(Background
The swap shop is part of the town’s solid
waste management system.  The purpose
is to keep items out of the trash stream by
having a place where useable items can
be left for others to take and use. Thus things
are reused rather than going into the trash. 
Artists in certain media often can be seen
looking for materials to re-purpose 
for their works.)