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