“Tea” by Leila

Chatti
Lesson by Kristin Runyon
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Learn more about the poet Read the poem

Answer these Questions

1. What poetic elements, such as repetition, sensory images, and shifts, do you notice?
How do these impact the meaning? Why do they “matter”?

Repetition. The writer of this poem consistently ties elements and effects of her
depressive episode towards making tea in a manner that shows the reader how tea is
more of a relief than a task. The writer of this poem shifts the poem and its
direction to elude the reader in understanding the certain things that initiate
her need to make tea such as not being able to get out of bed in the morning. To
understand why they matter, one may have to refer to instances in other mediums
of pop culture in which a character or separate entity does a certain thing on a
consistent basis in order to subsidize the negative ramifications of addiction, a
depressive episode, or experiencing some sort of grief. In many instances, readers
will refer to alcoholism and substance abuse, common forms of addiction in which
the addict in many cases utilizes the drug to negate the negative episode in which
they are going through rather than using the drug in a recreational format.
 These elements of the poem “matter” because the writers are creating the poem to
inform readers exactly why they make tea and how it helps them minimize the
effects of their depressive episode.
2. “Tea” references the Muslim custom of praying five times per day. How is this poem
like a prayer or meditation? How does the reference to prayer/customs/community
impact the meaning?

Prayers, in most religions, is the address of a solemn request or expression of

substantial gratitude towards a deity or god. As stated before, the reference of
tea in the treatment of healing the negative ramifications of a depressive episode is
very familiar to that of addiction. Most instances in which a drug addict utilizes a
drug to subsidize the negative effects of whatever depressive episode they are going
through, they use the drug to address a request for negation. The contradiction
of grief and suffering. When you are going through a depressive episode in a religion,
it is a common practice to pray and express gratitude and a need for help from
your god in order to negate the effects of the situation in which you are
experiencing.
3. Identify the lines by emotion/tone--positive versus negative. How does Chatti’s
movement between tones impact the meaning?

Positive Negative
“I do this “I’m not used to it—
because I like the warmth in my hands, like the warmth and kindness, both—so I create my
feeling own
of self-directed kindness” when I can. “

“ A poet noticed this “Because no one is here

and it made me feel I might one day
properly be loved”
to love me, I make tea for myself
and leave the radio playingI must
remind myself I am here, and do so
by noticing myself: my feet are cold
inside my socks, they touch the ground, my
stomach
churns, my heart stutters, in my hands I hold
a warmth I make”

“ A poet noticed this “ I do not always believe

and it made me feel I might one day in myself, or love myself”
properly be loved”
How does Chatti’s movement between tones impact the meaning?

The movement between positive and negative expression within the poem creates both a
connection and sense of solidarity between her depressive episode and the making of tea.
In one instance, Chatti is expressing her deepest depravity and insufficiencies, another
she is referencing the making of teas five times per day. The consistent shift inwards and
outwards between the poem creates solidarity between the two. The reader is then
able to properly draw the connection and the commodity in which the two share and
will be able to make a substantial opinion as to how they are related.

Choose ONE Extension

What is a way that you show yourself What is an everyday object or everyday
love or self-care? Using some of Chatti's ritual that you can connect to during
structure or devices, write a poem of your this time? How can this object represent
own. (submitted by Jori Krulder) you? (submitted by Sarah Soper)
What is an everyday object or everyday ritual that you can connect to during this time?
How can this object represent you? (submitted by Sarah Soper)

Exercise. I like to stay physically active. It helps me and gives me a sense of progression.