# III: Teestay explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James Weldon Johnson.

## What happens

The chapter is a poetic ode to teestay, a tropical drink that quenches an intense thirst. It describes the sensation of thirst and the relief provided by the beverage, highlighting its cultural significance and appeal.

## Key lines

> Of tropic sensations, the worst Is, sin duda , the tropical thirst.

Among tropical experiences, the worst is undoubtedly the thirst.

_Introduces the central theme of the chapter: the oppressive tropical thirst._

> Teestay , a drink with a history, A delicious, delectable mystery, “ Cinco centavos el vaso, señor ,” If you take one, you will surely want more.

Teestay is a historic and delicious mystery, sold for five cents a glass, and it is so good that one glass leads to wanting another.

_Describes teestay as a culturally significant and addictive beverage._

> And you wish, as you take it down at a quaff, That your neck was constructed à la giraffe.

As you drink it down in one gulp, you wish your neck were as long as a giraffe's to prolong the pleasure.

_Humorous exaggeration emphasizing the delightful sensation of drinking teestay._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_13_se/chapters/iii-teestay
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_13_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_13_se/chapters