I Like Mine, Hot and Black....

The tea,
you filthy minded figs....

Whatever did you think, I meant?

Of course , the tea---and it must be black
to bring out the grainy luster
in my wood floors
when I wash them with it.

Ten tea bags in a hot water bucket,
makes for a steaming scorpion bowl,
mop-ready,
that'll strip off layers of disgust, and
years of neglect
before the polish goes on.

(It also works, just spiffy, to age fabric ,
with that vintage tea stained look)

I pour a separate cup for myself, though
so that I might sip, as
I ponder, why the tea-wash
is one of the only useful
(and completely truthful )
things, my Mother ever imparted on me.

My floors do look fantastic.