Notes About The Poem

For Your Favorite Poetry Contest sponsored by Seth Pina

A Cup of Tea

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

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
September 1, 2026 at 12:30 AM
So guess what. This is shown as your best poem at Soup. I don't know how those best poems get determined but this has sure been a popular one for ya!
Crandall Avatar
September 1, 2026 at 8:38 PM
People seem to like it. I made an effort in this early poem to be honest and vulnerable, which is probably not so characteristic of my usual stuff, nor as easy.
Dietrich Avatar
March 7, 2026 at 11:10 AM
Another win for this one. Way to go, David
Crandall Avatar
March 7, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Yay - thanks, Andrea!
La France Avatar
March 6, 2026 at 3:51 AM
David, beautifully penned, I feel the sad emotion in your words. My grandma thought a cup of tea would cure anything, she would say when I had tears about anything, I will make you a nice cup of tea. Congrats on your win in Seth's contest ~
Crandall Avatar
March 6, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Thanks, Constance! I always think of tea as comforting and find myself writing about it often. These days, I just drink hot water, though.
Ashley Avatar
August 23, 2025 at 11:54 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
Crandall Avatar
August 23, 2025 at 5:59 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.
Dietrich Avatar
August 19, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Love this, David. Big congrats
Crandall Avatar
August 20, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Thanks Andrea!
Toney Avatar
August 19, 2025 at 8:53 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.
Crandall Avatar
August 20, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Thanks Mark!
Daniels Avatar
August 19, 2025 at 7:35 PM
I so align with last two lines, David. Congrats on placement with this gift. Blessings.
Crandall Avatar
August 20, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Agreed, I think it's a healthy outlook! Thanks!
Beck Avatar
August 23, 2024 at 12:06 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.
Crandall Avatar
August 23, 2024 at 12:14 PM
Thank you Sherry!
De Beaulieu Avatar
August 16, 2024 at 10:30 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/
De Beaulieu Avatar
August 17, 2024 at 10:31 AM
Hello David, oh, you are very welcome. My friend. /Darlene/ Enjoy your weekend.
Crandall Avatar
August 16, 2024 at 4:48 PM
Hi Darline - thanks for reading!
Ashley Avatar
July 21, 2024 at 6:31 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
Crandall Avatar
July 21, 2024 at 8:45 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.
Dietrich Avatar
July 12, 2024 at 9:52 PM
I really like this poem. Glad to see it is no longer an NA. Impressive work. Congrats
Crandall Avatar
July 12, 2024 at 9:57 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.
Empress Avatar
July 12, 2024 at 4:19 AM
Brilliant rhymes and depth in your well articulated poem! So well delivered! Pleasure reading this! Congratulations on your placement in my contest
Crandall Avatar
July 12, 2024 at 7:08 PM
Thank you Ink Empress! I tried to remember situations decades ago when I was stood up and how I felt.
Woods Avatar
April 14, 2024 at 6:50 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!!!
Crandall Avatar
April 21, 2024 at 9:04 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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