Indian Giver

Years ago, in Budapest,
I bought ceramic mugs
As presents for my son and wife;
They thanked me and gave hugs.

The pottery was quite unique;
I bought some for myself,
Which sits there in my kitchen
On a front-and-center shelf.

I couldn’t carry too much home
But always did regret
I didn’t buy myself a mug
(Or two, to make a set).

Yet since that time, my son has bought
Ceramics of his own.
His coffee cup collection
Has considerably grown.

The gift mugs are no longer used;
They’re stored way out of sight.
I knew if they were on display,
They’d bring me great delight.

Could I possibly reclaim them?
It’s a practice that’s taboo
(Which I’m well-aware my title,
Very not P.C., is, too).

But my son was very gracious – 
Wrapped them so they wouldn’t break
And they’re hanging in my kitchen now,
Correcting my mistake.

I won’t do this again
Though I am glad I had the nerve
To speak up, for these two mugs
Bring out my smiles on reserve.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025


Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 3/12/2025 7:40:00 PM
Good for you! No guts, no glory!!
Login to Reply
Bauer Avatar
Ilene Bauer
Date: 3/16/2025 4:48:00 PM
ha! guess i have the guts after all, gershon!
Date: 3/10/2025 4:44:00 AM
Great poem ilene and of course you should have asked… it is your family and if they don't use them why not….l am glad you have those mugs and they bring you joy my friend! Debx
Login to Reply
Bauer Avatar
Ilene Bauer
Date: 3/16/2025 4:47:00 PM
thanks, deb! at this point in my life, i need all the joy i can get and sometimes it's the little things that work the best...
Date: 3/9/2025 5:19:00 PM
You made me curious. Please post a picture. I keep Malissa and Doug’s lizard watering can on my kitchen counter for the same reason.
Login to Reply
Bauer Avatar
Ilene Bauer
Date: 3/16/2025 4:45:00 PM
hey hannah! i don't know how to post a picture here, but one mug has owls on it and the other one has very cute dragons (if you can visualize that) and they are really very special...
Date: 3/9/2025 4:49:00 PM
Good you asked. Your son is a gracious person. Nice one
Login to Reply
Bauer Avatar
Ilene Bauer
Date: 3/16/2025 4:46:00 PM
yes, he is! i still felt weird asking him, but he was glad i asked, too...
Date: 3/9/2025 2:48:00 PM
If ya don't ask... I'm glad you asked, and your son responded by giving you the mugs. At least now they'll be seen and enjoyed.
Login to Reply
Bauer Avatar
Ilene Bauer
Date: 3/16/2025 4:46:00 PM
i'm glad, too, lin! i smile every day when i see them...
Get a Premium Membership
Get more exposure for your poetry and more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Reflection on the Important Things

Member Area

My Admin
Profile and Settings
Edit My Poems
Edit My Quotes
Edit My Short Stories
Edit My Articles
My Comments Inboxes
My Comments Outboxes
Soup Mail
Poetry Contests
Contest Results/Status
Followers
Poems of Poets I Follow
Friend Builder

Soup Social

Poetry Forum
New/Upcoming Features
The Wall
Soup Facebook Page
Who is Online
Link to Us

Member Poems

Poems - Top 100 New
Poems - Top 100 All-Time
Poems - Best
Poems - by Topic
Poems - New (All)
Poems - New (PM)
Poems - New by Poet
Poems - Read
Poems - Unread

Member Poets

Poets - Best New
Poets - New
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems Recent
Poets - Top 100 Community
Poets - Top 100 Contest

Famous Poems

Famous Poems - African American
Famous Poems - Best
Famous Poems - Classical
Famous Poems - English
Famous Poems - Haiku
Famous Poems - Love
Famous Poems - Short
Famous Poems - Top 100

Famous Poets

Famous Poets - Living
Famous Poets - Most Popular
Famous Poets - Top 100
Famous Poets - Best
Famous Poets - Women
Famous Poets - African American
Famous Poets - Beat
Famous Poets - Cinquain
Famous Poets - Classical
Famous Poets - English
Famous Poets - Haiku
Famous Poets - Hindi
Famous Poets - Jewish
Famous Poets - Love
Famous Poets - Metaphysical
Famous Poets - Modern
Famous Poets - Punjabi
Famous Poets - Romantic
Famous Poets - Spanish
Famous Poets - Suicidal
Famous Poets - Urdu
Famous Poets - War

Poetry Resources

Anagrams
Bible
Book Store
Character Counter
Cliché Finder
Poetry Clichés
Common Words
Copyright Information
Grammar
Grammar Checker
Homonym
Homophones
How to Write a Poem
Lyrics
Love Poem Generator
New Poetic Forms
Plagiarism Checker
Poetry Art
Publishing
Random Word Generator
Spell Checker
What is Good Poetry?
Word Counter