Entry #5: Mint

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The morning starts like any other. I'm sitting at my desk watching the steam from the cup fog up the corner of my computer screen. The smell gently filling the my office. Smooth and calming; I can tell by  that first hint of bitter wafting across my senses it's done. I pull the tea bag out, watching the last drops fall back into the cup. Still too hot to drink, I enjoy the blended scent of herbs while I work through my morning preparations.

That first sip fills my senses, setting my mind and body at ease. Smooth, sharp, and bitter blended into one gentle, heated rush through my mouth and down my throat. My mind feels equally focused and calm as I enjoy the best part of my morning. One distinct smell overpowers the others as I hold the cup beneath my nose, pausing to enjoy the moment.

As the tea cools, I savor the taste and feel of it in my mouth. Three previously distinct flavors now merge into one smooth, seamless mixture hovering in my mouth. It's not until I allow it to pass the back of my tongue that the individual flavors and senses make themselves known again, this time in reverse. The bitter of the green tea hits first, but it's quickly subdued by the bracing, and then soothing of the other herbs. Healing the morning stress as sips turn to mouthfuls, the scent begins to fade and the flavors begin to mute. The rush has faded and the day must begin. I set the cup aside.

Oft forgotten, that last sip sits cooling, waiting to be consumed. I reach for the cup one last time, unsure if it's empty. Surprised and glad to see that final bit, I swallow the remains entirely. Every flavor in that delightful blend has heightened and separated. There is no mixture. Just three distinct, very strong flavors. Once again, the bitter hits first. Demanding my attention, it lasts longer; grabbing my tongue at the sides. Then the next one hits, cooling my entire mouth with no regard for it's strength. 

The final sensation comes long after I have swallowed. A cool, easy flavor washes from the tip of my tongue, across the roof my my mouth, then finally down. Cooling all the way to my stomach, it feels like a gentle apology for his friends aggressive behavior. That final flavor lasts for minutes beyond expectation; easing that last bit of tension from the hustle of my day.


 

Comments

  1. Trenton LeighApril 2, 2025 at 5:49 AM

    Excellent sensory details, you really had me emerged in the experience as if I was eating it too! Great blog entry, I enjoyed the read.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Saraya DomenApril 3, 2025 at 6:08 PM

    I loved the line, "it feels like a gentle apology for his friends aggressive behavior." It made me laugh a little because of the personality it gave to a flavor! But giving personality to a flavor is perfect because it really fleshes out the visual of the entire scene. Overall, love your scene involving tea!

    ReplyDelete

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