We gather -
this family of women -
gather at the kitchen table
to drink sweet tea
and talk
about the finer points of pulling through.
And, as I search
each love worn face
it occurs to me
this learning to be
a lady
is the work of a lifetime.
For the Wednesday Challenge at Real Toads
27 comments:
Yes, indeed. It certainly is. LOVE this, MZ.
Yes, we are steeped in memories from all of our ancestors! Loved you compared this idea to bonding with tea!
Amen!!It certainly is!!! Terrific, MZ!
it is, isn't it? - I love "love worn face", such a wonderful, warm descriptor
I like the way the last stanza is set up. Although, I do have to admit I had to go back and reread it, as once I got to sweet tea, I couldn't help but travel back to my days down south and how addicted I was to it. It's since made it's way up north in a few places, but nothing compares to the kind you can get in the south. Great job. thanks
I love this. Those love-worn faces carry so much history. But for me? I gave up trying to learn to "be a lady" a long time ago. That's probably an exercise in futility anyway.
Sweet tea is one of the things I miss about living in the South. I love this poem-it's so cozy!
sigh. sniff. sob.
Sweetly sentimental...
Yes indeed it is ~
Yes, it is. Nice write.
Unfortunately, that is the truth. For some, it comes more naturally. For others, it's like waxing your legs.
rosemarymint.wordpress.com
This experience is something so precious, and you have portrayed its simplicity and complexity just perfectly.
Very well penned, Mama Zen! It DEFINITELY takes a lifetime.
I was raised to be a lady. Sometimes it's the work of a lifetime to learn to be a woman instead.
A wonderful write, especially "each love worn face" because those three words say so much.
Love this poem.
K
As usual, a gorgeous poem.
I don't know if you enjoy reading novels, but this poem is so in sync with some of Sandra Dallas' books. The Diary of Mattie Spenser...The Persian Pickle Club.
I'm glad to hear I have all my lifetime, since I haven't evolved to "lady" yet. ;)
It does take a lifetime. We are blessed to sit and talk to those who have been on the journey longer. I don't know if I will ever be called a lady. lol Great piece.
I like this very much.
Damn straight. This is so wise and beautifully said. And I hope people don't get too hung up on your use of the word 'lady' because I think you differentiate it from the other, more superficial definition of 'lady' who knows which fork to use, etc.
Succinct - and undoubtedly true.
Oh absolutely, and amen to that! (Learning to be a man takes all of five minutes...)
This is something wonderful and special. So nicely crafted.
Interesting. Sometimes it takes another lifetime to unlearn being a lady, on the road to becoming a woman. I like the love worn faces images.
yes it is...i find it beautiful that you do it together...smiles.
Oh yes, MZ! It is a realization. Ladies would have to be on their toes all the time and we men may not be aware. Great to bring it out in the open!
Hank
This makes me long for a book club with women. I long to discuss deep thoughts and drink tea and learn from each other and accept each other just where we are. :)
I so love it - the women around the table, the cups of tea.......yes, the work of a lifetime, and wonderful when you have a few generations sharing talk about the journey.
Lovely. (And a lifetime is exactly what we have to do it in.) K.
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