The Attitude Of Cups

While we were in India a poem of mine was published in an anthology called “The Attitude Of Cups.” This was produced by Melbourne Poets Union and edited by Sue Stanford and is a collection of poems about tea, wine and coffee.

My poem titled,”Luke Warm Tea and Arnotts Assorted Biscuits” was inspired by a visit to my mother-in-law at her nursing home. The patrons are never given a hot cup of tea in case they burn themselves and she just hangs out for a nice hot cuppa when she comes to our place. And of course , cups of tea, or coffee, are only served at certain times of the day. There is no chance of getting one out of these hours.

The poem in the anthology has been heavily edited but here is the original.

Luke Warm Tea and Arnotts Assorted Biscuits

Luke warm tea and

Arnotts assorted biscuits

That’s what we’re in for

In our fog-filled years

Luke warm tea and

Arnotts assorted biscuits

Served on a plate

Two at a time

You can dip them, if you’re quick

No chance of

assorted creams

or a Tim-Tam slammer

Just luke warm tea and

Arnotts assorted biscuits

So eat up I say

Have a scone

Pass the cream

Just a little dollop

Oops, slipped

Oh dear me

Another latte?

Too right

Did you say chocolate croissant?

Moi?

Oh, if I must

You insist?

Well merci beaucoup

Luke warm tea and

Arnotts assorted biscuits

But only by the clock

10:00, 2:00 and 7:00

If you’re lucky

And haven’t fallen asleep

Otherwise it’s nuthin’

Not even luke warm tea and

Arnotts assorted biscuits

 

 

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