A Cup of Tea

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For 2025 Poetry Marathon Mile 8 Poetry Contest sponsored by Mark Toney

The cars drive by in ones, twos, and threes.
Leaves gently flutter in the cool breeze.
I look to the street, then down, then up.
A sense of unease, I sip from my cup.

Outside folks walking slow and quick.
The watch on my wrist starts to loudly tick.
Inside the eyes seem to fall on me.
I drink and wonder where she could be.

I feel as though I’d like to hide
A secret - not to the world confide.
From my teacup, I take a drink
As my silly heart begins to sink.

And now from behind a barricade -
An unstoppable, rushing cascade -
The masquerade ends.  I gulp my tea,
And I can’t escape, but it is me. 

By a familiar feeling now I’m haunted -
That, alas, I am still unwanted.
Whoever she is, she never shows up.
But, I take wisdom from my teacup.

What I’ve got here with every fault
Is better than nothing by default.
It’s better than insincerity and fluff.
Myself and tea are quite enough.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024



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Date: 8/23/2025 11:54:00 AM
Dear David, congratulations for your success in Mark's contest with this exceptional poem. It's a pleasure to return to re-read this wonderful piece, and it's an honor to share the podium with you. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
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David Crandall
Date: 8/23/2025 5:59:00 PM
Thanks Susan! I wrote this a while back. It was an instance when I really tried to get inside myself and my feelings, instead of light humor. I'm glad you liked it, because I'm less confident in this style, and the positive feedback helps. I might try more.
Date: 8/19/2025 9:59:00 PM
Love this, David. Big congrats
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David Crandall
Date: 8/20/2025 7:45:00 PM
Thanks Andrea!
Date: 8/19/2025 8:53:00 PM
David, love the vulnerability expressed. Your last stanza is brilliant. A Fav poem for me. Congratulations on your top 10 win on Mile 8 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 9 has already started.
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David Crandall
Date: 8/20/2025 7:49:00 PM
Thanks Mark!
Date: 8/19/2025 7:35:00 PM
I so align with last two lines, David. Congrats on placement with this gift. Blessings.
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David Crandall
Date: 8/20/2025 7:51:00 PM
Agreed, I think it's a healthy outlook! Thanks!
Date: 8/23/2024 12:06:00 PM
Tom, I am delighted and loved the poem! The vivid imagery of each sip from the cup resonated with me and my journey. Keep savoring those moments in your writing.
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David Crandall
Date: 8/23/2024 12:14:00 PM
Thank you Sherry!
Date: 8/16/2024 10:30:00 AM
Hello David Crandall, this person has been stood up. It happens to many people. When this happens a great hurt feeling is felt. Then the person wonders is them or is it me? Enjoy your day my friend. /Darlene/
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Darlene De Beaulieu
Date: 8/17/2024 10:31:00 AM
Hello David, oh, you are very welcome. My friend. /Darlene/ Enjoy your weekend.
Crandall Avatar
David Crandall
Date: 8/16/2024 4:48:00 PM
Hi Darline - thanks for reading!
Date: 7/21/2024 6:31:00 PM
Dear David, your poetic pen expresses emotional vulnerability and angst of being stood up so vividly. But your last stanza is a reassuring finale to an exquisite poem. “Myself and tea are quite enough.” Indeed! Love it!! A brilliant piece. Congratulations for your success in Ink’s contest. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan
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David Crandall
Date: 7/21/2024 8:45:00 PM
Thanks Susan, I appreciate your kind words and very positive feedback. I might try some more poems where I try to capture certain feelings in a moment.
Date: 7/12/2024 9:52:00 PM
I really like this poem. Glad to see it is no longer an NA. Impressive work. Congrats
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David Crandall
Date: 7/12/2024 9:57:00 PM
Thanks, I appreciate that, Andrea. I find myself writing a lot of goofy, humorous poems, but decided to try to be a little more serious on this one, so I'm glad you to hear it positively reviewed.
Date: 7/12/2024 4:19:00 AM
Brilliant rhymes and depth in your well articulated poem! So well delivered! Pleasure reading this! Congratulations on your placement in my contest
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David Crandall
Date: 7/12/2024 7:08:00 PM
Thank you Ink Empress! I tried to remember situations decades ago when I was stood up and how I felt.
Date: 4/14/2024 6:50:00 AM
Oh my! I found myself rushing through to the end! I had to reread... it flows perfectly! I absolutely LOVE this poem!!! I could see in mind's eye every time you brought the cup to your lips. Love!!!
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David Crandall
Date: 4/21/2024 9:04:00 PM
Aw, thanks Crystol! I'm glad you liked it. I was a bit nervous about it for some reason. My attempt was to try to put myself in my own shoes, and write the feelings of being stood up, So I'm glad you could picture it.
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