Yesterday was a better day
The table in the kitchen had mixed feelings
Elated by the day before
But this day was literally for the pits
Granny always washed the table
The night before.
It was ready for yesterday
A clean table cloth, red, black and white checkered
Napkins ready for the silver
(Granny's were made of stainless but
that didn't matter for her)
Center piece, ceramic chickens and ducks, her favorite
A crowd gathered yesterday about ten-thirty
Uncle Charlie, Aunt Belle, Cousin Pete, eight more
Watermelon for appetizer, chicken parts
And potato salad. Ice cream, pecan pie
In the afternoon croquette for all
Lizzie and her girls came over
They played too. Beat the others bad on the course
All chipped in, Pete took home dirty paper, plastic
Talked and sang the night, Elmer had his guitar
Fae dropped in with a cake and more ice cream
Table in the kitchen smiled, Pete laughed last,
He'd left for better stuff, missed his cake, candles sixty-two
Now this morning the table cloth still on
Stained like a painter's palate, smelled of coffee, and more
It seemed to pout having this day's guests,
Lizzie and one girl stayed over, Granny made like she liked
Tomorrow would be better, table knew
_ _ _ _ _
Poem Copyright , Jimmiehov 2016, All Rights Reserved
I'm linked with Karin at the Imaginary Garden with Real Toads, Following a Thread - Weekend Mini Challenge: http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2016/09/following-thread-weekend-mini-challenge.html
Mine isn't real 'mini' but it's written, first and maybe only go around. My thread is this picture below, one Girl, Lizzie, and Granny.
[click picture for larger size viewing, maybe try clicking again]
I also found a few park benches with better stories for another day. One I had written before is here: http://jimmiehov6.blogspot.com/2015/10/i-sat-on-bench-artistoc-interpretation.html
The table seems to be an extension of Granny's feelings. I want to know what else its seen and if it knows the source for Granny's feigned feelings.
ReplyDeleteAh sweet. I especially like the line "it was ready for yesterday." I understand that you mean there for the specific yesterday but there is a sense that we are always ready for what just passed and not for what is coming.
ReplyDeleteYour description of the centerpiece and the next day's smell of coffee so human, thanks. k.
If table's could have feelings I know that they would love company... I know many tables carved with memories... (especially from kids)
ReplyDeleteThe dining table is such an important point in the house. It could tell a lot of stories, happy and sad. I like this poem of the table.
ReplyDeleteOh, I do love the stories surrounding a family table. You have me thinking I should write the story of my Noni's embroidered tablecloths, which were always on the table when we all gathered for Christmas. But there is something to the table itself, which sees & feels so much of our daily lives...Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGlad you didn't table this one, Jim!
ReplyDelete