One Long Loud Sip

This original piece is dedicated to the colleagues I observe on a regular basis on any given afternoon as they sipped their tea… loudly.

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One Long Loud Sip
By: Ms. Hala

Why do you sip your tea so loudly?
You don’t hear what I hear, do you?
You don’t hear yourself making these sipping, sloshing sound effects?
I can hear your sipping, sloshing sound effects as it echoes throughout the offices we share.
I turn towards you to watch you sip your tea.
You don’t hear the echoes.
You don’t notice me watching.
You just casually sip your tea.

A short sip.
Several short loud sips.
One long loud sip.

When you sip your tea so loudly,
Does it challenge your taste buds?
I doubt it.
It’s not that hot that it might burn you
And not oh-so-good to resist the urge to take on that sip.
This office would never fork the extra buck
For the irresistible, deliciously flavored stuff.
It’s just your simple cup of tea.
Hot water, leaves, sugar and milk, stirred.
Your cup amongst the many made throughout the day.
Not even in a nice mug.
Those paper cups with the paper handles that render uselessness.
You didn’t bring your own mug to the office.
Less tea for you to sip as you do.

A short sip.
Several short loud sips.
One long loud sip.

When you sip your tea so loudly,
Does it help you focus in this mild chaos?
You stare blankly at your computer screen.
I know there’s nothing interesting on that screen.
You are in the zone.
Not sure which zone but you’re there.
It must be a wonderful place.
Better than this mild chaos right now.
Where we hear the echoes across the offices.

A short sip.
Several short loud sips.
One long loud sip.

So, why do you sip your tea so loudly?