Author: Elina Pugacheva
Title: She was pouring black tea when she told me
Date: 2021
She was pouring black tea when she told me
We’re moving to where they don’t drink much of this
We drank tea at the airport, too
How long before we see rude cashiers again?
How long before the artic winters ruffle the soul?
A decade on and the place hasn’t changed a bit
Would you believe it?
We grudge through the depressing city slowly
Savouring the potholes like candy with tea at New Year’s
They say all Khrushchevkas look the same
But we spot ours from a mile away
Funny
The only home I’ve ever had is the one crumbling
We drink tea silently
My mother and I
The black liquid burns slowly
The drab walls less so
She was pouring black tea when she told me
We’re moving to where they don’t drink much of this
Original location: This poem originally featured in the Chariot Tea History Mini Edition (2021): https://issuu.com/chariotjournal/docs/chariot_tea_history_mini_edition_2021. Poem by Elina Pugacheva and graphic design by Daisy Norfolk.
Image credits:
Grafvision from Getty Images Pro. Black Tea in a Glass Cup. [Altered]. Accessed 4 October, 2021. Canva One Design Use License Agreement.
Twilight Sparkle. Decorative Ornamental Lamp Illustration. Accessed 4 October, 2021. Canva One Design Use License Agreement.
Graphix Mania. Airplane Drawing Doodle. Accessed 4 October, 2021. Canva One Design Use License Agreement.
Sketchify. Whimsy Magic Elements Smoke. Accessed 4 October, 2021. Canva One Design Use License Agreement.
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