In a white mug, first
the water looks pure
or like nothing at all

then

I lower the bag
of tea leaves into it
observing the change:

behold.  White layers
of consciousness foam
and swirl, expanding;

outward they spin
like the proverbial
spider's web, growing.

The water turns amber
slowly.  I notice
my painted nails again.

I thought it had
some relevance--
this metamorphosis--

but

I guess I just like
to drink hot stuff.
Represses the crying.