Cuppa Tea


 How about a cuppa?

 


Artwork and original poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, as an ode to the cup of golden brew


It's a wet rainy day, today February 8th 2040, as I put away my paints.
My study is warm and cozy, my life blessed. Ain't got no complaints!

There's a gentle familiar tap on the door, it's my next door neighbor.
I glance at the clock. Oh my, it's 5 pm - time for a familiar flavor!

"Wretched weather" he says, as he hangs up his hat, to no one in particular.
"Nothing that a good cuppa can't put right, nothing fancy. Just the regular"

The tea is just the excuse. He cracks a smile, no words need to be spoken.
We've known each other donkeys years, now that she gone he's heartbroken.

"How's the painting?", he asks politely, but his eyes tell of a different pain.
We talk of the good old times; he lights up reliving our youthful days again.

"Another cup?, I ask, knowing we had just gotten started. "You make good teas"
He shot back. "Thanks", but I knew it was not the brew ‘twas the precious memories



Comments

Anonymous said…
Ohhhhhh a morning cup of bed tea ☕ is a mustπŸ˜‹. As soon as I wake up, black & w/o sugar. (WhatsApp comment from a schoolfriend in Pune)
Kieran said…
My favorite morning cuppa is black coffee w/o sugar. - Kieran
Anonymous said…
Awwwww.... That is so beautiful !
Coming from South India, I had rarely had tea. Moved to coffee after the bournvita days. My first intro to tea are in our mess, but more importantly, I've loved and enjoyed the innumerable teas I had in the generous Pritha and Nilu's room !
Like your write-up, it was the warmth of their affection there, and the conversations !
Though I might add that then it was a lot always about the present and the future ! We were 22 or 23 only then ! (WhatsApp comment from an XLRI classmate on a chat group)
Kieran said…
Yes, a lot of teenage hours spent debating and discussing over chai ☕️… precious memories. - Kieran
Anonymous said…
Well said, now for a brun maska to go with it .πŸ˜ƒπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘ (WhatsApp comment from a brilliant essayist and incorrigible foodie who writes evocatively about eating places in my hometown of Pune, India)
Kieran said…
That’s a Pune/Mumbai Irani speciality. Mouth watering (and artery clogging too, I might add) ☕️🍞🧈 - Kieran
Anonymous said…
Pretty good, uncle Kieran! I particularly liked how you did the tea bag in the cup and the reflective shadow of the cup! (WhatsApp comment from my dearest niece who sent me an oil painting on which I based my artwork)
Anonymous said…
Thanks for the memories Jean πŸ₯³Am having my second mug of cha as I am reading this ...with SP Balasubramaniam 's divine music in the background.(reply by another XLRI classmate to the above comment)
Kieran said…
Now this is tres chic, @⁨Pritha Dutt⁩ - Kieran
Kieran said…
Thanks to you, Mimi!! Beginners luck πŸ€ I guess - Kieran
Anonymous said…
You're special, Kieran (WhatsApp comment from a very dear local friend)
Kieran said…
Thanks, Florence. Glad you liked it.
Anonymous said…
Chai pe charcha (Discussions over tea) (WhatsApp comment from a very dear friend in Florida)
Kieran said…
Aao ek aur kap peete hain (Come let's drink another cup) - Kieran
Anonymous said…
Reminds me of Nazz cafe where we ordered a cup of chai just to chat (WhatsApp comment from a childhood friend from Pune)
Kieran said…
Bingo. Kayani and Naaz. Countless chai, endless debating. What fun!! - Kieran
Anonymous said…
Kieran, look forward to you art and poetry everyday. This is another gem. ❣️Keep it up my dear brother. (WhatsApp comment from my dearest sister)
Kieran said…
The inspiration came from Mimi who sent me an oil painting of the same. The poem followed once I finished the artwork - Kieran

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