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Comment by The Ancient One on November 6, 2009 at 6:15am

Small and Early

By Tudor Jenks


WHEN Dorothy and I took tea, we sat upon the floor;
No matter how much tea I drank, she always gave me more;
Our table was the scarlet box in which her tea-set came;
Our guests, an armless one-eyed doll, a wooden horse gone lame.
She poured out nothing, very fast,—the tea-pot tipped on high,
And in the bowl found sugar lumps unseen by my dull eye.
She added rich (pretended) cream—it seemed a wilful waste,
For though she overflowed the cup, it did not change the taste.
She asked, “Take milk?” or “Sugar?” and though I answered, “No,”
She put them in, and told me that I “must take it so!”
She ’d say “Another cup, Papa?” and I, “No, thank you, Ma’am,”
But then I had to take it—her courtesy was sham.
Still, being neither green, nor black, nor English-breakfast tea,
It did not give her guests the “nerves”—whatever those may be.
Though often I upset my cup, she only minded when
I would mistake the empty cups for those she ’d filled again.
She tasted my cup gingerly, for fear I ’d burn my tongue;
Indeed, she really hurt my pride—she made me feel so young.
I must have drunk some twoscore cups, and Dorothy sixteen,
Allowing only needful time to pour them, in between.
We stirred with massive pewter spoons, and sipped in courtly ease,
With all the ceremony of the stately Japanese.
At length she put the cups away. “Goodnight, Papa,” she said;
And I went to a real tea, and Dorothy to bed.

Comment by The Ancient One on November 5, 2009 at 6:07am

There's A New Day Coming

When the Sun announces the dawning day,
Just flex your muscles and start on your way.
Go over, or under, around, or through
Any obstacles or hurdles that challenge you.
There's a new day coming.

Cast aside the failures of yesterday.
Forget the peaks and valleys that have paved your way.
Wipe the sweat from your brow
And the dust from your shoe.
Take a breath and relax so that you may begin anew.
There's a new day coming.

Forget the burdens and obstacles
That have held you back.
Focus on your dreams and prepare a plan of attack.
There are battles awaiting to challenge your success,
Daring you to stand tall and to give it your best.
There's a new day coming.

No matter how great the journey, or how heavy the load,
How steep the mountain, or how rough the road,
When your arms grow weary and legs give way,
Stop and rest for a moment; it will be okay.
There's a new day coming.

As shadows spring forth from the setting Sun,
Take a moment and savor the battles you've won.
Sleep peacefully tonight and enjoy your rest.
Awaken tomorrow and continue your quest.
There's always, a new day coming.

~ Michael Wynn