Old-Fashioned Parloring

Old-fashioned parloring. Dreaming
of friendship with tea and cakes.

Feathered fascinators, blooming hats,
all dressed like a bountiful bouquet.

Chatterbox of lovely talk, liveliness
in eyes and lips. Excitement of togetherness.

A cozy of ladies is the best. Dress us up,
kiss us with tasty treats and sips of chai.

Such is the picture of yesteryear, placed
in the Southerner's space. Children pass by

with hardly a howdy-do. Little girls pleased
by a lit up screen, chattering at a box,

unable to size up the others by their character,
wearing ripped up jeans and too small shirts.

These girls don’t know the beauty of baking,
the blossoming of a glass teapot, the lumping

of sugar, an afternoon of nestling in proverbial
glow with sun streaming its shadows on the wall.

One girl glances up, her eyes fly off, like butterflies,
into the space behind the frame, the fragile glass

removed for this moment of time. Her great-grandma
smiles and weeps, holds hope for this progeny.

Suddenly, the girl of twelve, is whisked away in time.
She’s seated at a fresh set table, not questioning why.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Hind Avatar
October 10, 2024 at 5:16 PM
So lovely....you've got a lot of wisdom to share. I love your metaphors "One girl glances up, her eyes fly off, like butterflies, into the space behind the frame,"
Rodrigues Avatar
October 11, 2024 at 5:03 AM
Thank you, Paige! You always make my day!
Leach Avatar
October 9, 2024 at 1:58 PM
I would love an old fashioned tea party. Very nicely written.
Rodrigues Avatar
October 9, 2024 at 7:20 PM
Thank you, Alesia! :)
Eslinger Avatar
October 5, 2024 at 6:56 AM
A fantastic, write! Wonderfully skilled with such marked imagery. I’ve been reading Brit novels with this time period, setting. Youv painted the parlour scene, mood very well! A wow to be sure!
Rodrigues Avatar
October 9, 2024 at 7:20 PM
Thank you so much, Sally!
Nicholsen Avatar
October 4, 2024 at 10:10 PM
This is absolutely lovely adored reading your poem many blessings
Rodrigues Avatar
October 5, 2024 at 5:19 AM
Thank you, Yolanda!
One Avatar
October 4, 2024 at 12:21 PM
You really set the scene here.. I can see two friends talking and having a great time.... a bit of a twist at the end..
Rodrigues Avatar
October 4, 2024 at 3:35 PM
Thank you, Silent! <3
Greenhough Avatar
October 4, 2024 at 12:03 PM
I like nostalgia so this poem goes to my heart. Thank you for soft thoughts.
Rodrigues Avatar
October 4, 2024 at 12:07 PM
Thank you, Hilda!
Rodgers Avatar
October 4, 2024 at 7:20 AM
Dear Kim! Your poem is such a delightful throwback to simpler times! I love the imagery of tea parties and feathered hats. It really contrasts with today’s fast-paced world. You capture the warmth of friendship beautifully, showing the joy in togetherness. A wonderful read! - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
Rodrigues Avatar
October 4, 2024 at 7:47 AM
Thank you, Daniel! Blessings!
May Avatar
October 4, 2024 at 2:37 AM
Lost are the ways of her grandmother, A lit up screen consumes her time, Very nicely penned
Rodrigues Avatar
October 4, 2024 at 7:47 AM
Thank you, Joseph! :)
Sharma  Avatar
October 2, 2024 at 10:26 AM
Oh my, this is such a nostalgic poem filled with cosy remembrances of yesteryears ~ those old days were hued with pure emotions, loyalty and genuine aura all around... I absolutely love your spellbinding wordplay in every line here especially how you've described that girl is so impactful and captivating ~ "One girl glances up, her eyes fly off, like butterflies, into the space behind the frame, the fragile glass" Beyond beautiful! Loved reading this incredible write..Sending best wishes & light
Rodrigues Avatar
October 4, 2024 at 7:48 AM
Blessings to you, Hiya! So glad you enjoyed this poem! Sometimes we want the simpler times :)
Kauffman Avatar
October 2, 2024 at 10:24 AM
Oh, Kim, it is heartbreaking to see the girls and young women of our times discard the beauty of teatime and conversation replacing them with phones and social media. You and I have both just written about that precious time to gather. I love the mystical connection of granddaughter and grandmother. Actually, my granddaughter loves to go to tea, to dress up. There is hope! I loved this poem and your inherent challenge to us to continue "teatimes!" Blessings!
Rodrigues Avatar
October 4, 2024 at 7:50 AM
I brought both my granddaughters to a wonderful tea place. They were able to dress up and drop sugar cubes. This wonderful place closed down. Cheers to tea time!
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