Series 7｜Pouring Tea for Others

Pouring tea for others is not about completing a ritual.
It is more like—
creating a pause
between you and yourself.

The tea is first poured from the pot.
Not given directly to anyone,
but simply allowed
to leave its original place.

In that moment,
the tea belongs to no one.
It rests quietly,
waiting to be passed on.

Then you divide it into the cups.
The movement is light,
almost soundless.
No one receives more.
No one is given less.

You do not watch their expressions.
You do not check who is more pleased.
Pouring tea
does not require a response.

When you pour tea for others,
you are not at the center.
You simply let a flow occur,
and allow order
to reveal itself.

The tea passes through your hands,
but does not keep your warmth.
When it is offered,
it carries no explanation,
and holds no meaning.

This cup is not prepared for you.
Yet you are not absent.
You step back half a pace,
so that this moment
may belong fully to someone else.

Only when every cup is filled
do you realize
you are still standing.
By then,
the tea no longer needs you.

You sit down.
The tea remains warm.
The world, gently,
returns to the table.