The poem is a tiny scene: someone is drinking tea in a house that isn't clean, and in the middle of that ordinary moment they notice the sound of water. The poem doesn't say where the water is. It could be rain, a stream outside, a tap, or the kettle. That openness is part of its charm.
The first line, "having to drink tea," sounds a little reluctant, as if the speaker is stuck with the situation. The dirty house adds to that feeling of awkwardness or discomfort. Then the last line shifts everything. The sound of water seems to cut through the mess and bring a moment of calm, or at least a reminder that something fresh and moving exists nearby.
The mood is quiet and attentive. The speaker isn't cheerful, but they aren't miserable either. They're simply listening. The poem suggests that even in an unpleasant place, a small sound can offer relief, and that paying attention can change how a moment feels.