Justin Richel – Artist – “ENDLESS COLUMN”
Sipping gingerly from each
heated receptacle, filled from
a stately teapot, shallow cups
formed of ashes and dust
spill family secrets,
personal mysteries, and
individual sufferings shared
during quiet moments.
Tempered by the accompaniment
of sweet treats, skillfully prepared
by patient hands, following vintage
recipes holding their own hidden
family histories baked inside. The
sacred cups appear static and silent.
Oh lovely teacup totem,
a shining beauty standing
proud and tall, on exhibition today,
gleaming in the sunlight,
vibrating, calling to me…
a woman fixated with wonder.
Please speak to us of the secrets
of heat and desire, grief and loss,
family celebrations, and of
the peaceful moments shared
over steaming cups of centuries,
all-inclusive peoples young & old,
consumers and lovers of
soothing exotic brews.
Centuries of proper afternoon teas
pass as the brew is sipped
from cups delicately made of china,
fine porcelain, or simple clay
pottery, sedately reveal stories
to those quieting themselves
enough to feel the vibration
distilling the historic memories
left by tender hands long ago.