manifesto monday: home remedy

her hand would go thoughtfully to the cupboard,
above the electric stove.
small plastic canisters with round, red lids
labeled: cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger
were retrieved.

i was either sick or tired.
either way there was always one comforting remedy
on those quiet, dark, and muffled fall/winter evenings:
"pearl tea."

it began with great-grandma, annie.
a midwife and a wonderful cook.
my namesake.
celia jane, her daughter, would naturally use pearl tea
to cure my mother of a cold,
or to help her end her tossing and turning.

i don't remember having pearl tea often...
but i know my mom always made it when i needed
its comforting sweetness and spice
to aid my little body.

a warm drink before bed.
every night.
both celia jane and dianne choose
to have hot cocoa almost every night...

i especially love the pearl tea.
this home remedy,
generations old,
helps me sleep every night.
this i believe.

{photos by me. ocotober 2009}