Early Morning Tea Smoke

[Soft Felt Piano Intro] Eyes closed as the clock bell rings then falls still The gas stove just in time to blow a small flame [Verse 1] Water hums softly, steeping into the dried leaves Amber color flows down to the bottom of the cup so smooth Two hands cradle the round warm ring No need to think of anything but the breathing [Pre-Chorus] The street outside still wrapped in dream-blankets Streetlights cast long shadows across the yard [Chorus] hot tea at early light Steam curling up to hide the eyes hot tea at early light Warm touches the lips then warms the whole heart [Verse 2] The first bitter note on the tongue recalls what's passed The sweet aftertaste at the throat announces what's coming I sit and drain each willful sip As if drinking slow an entire peaceful morning [Chorus] hot tea at early light Steam curling up to hide the eyes hot tea at early light Warm touches the lips then warms the whole heart [Bridge] The day will come with its many demands But this minute no one has the right to call I give myself permission to be still [Chorus] hot tea at early light Steam curling up to hide the eyes hot tea at early light Warm touches the lips then warms the whole heart [Outro] The empty cup set down, the dew also melts I step out with a lighter heart [Fade Out] [End]