The Crumb Contest

The Grand Old Dame sat at the table
with cream on the corner of her mouth
from a donut she ate as she sat in her chair
and a coffee she held in her shaking hand
A ribbon and pink visor donned her head
and a reddish hue sprinkled with white
was the color of her coiffured hair
reflecting from a ceiling light
from a diner in the urban night

At one time she was the elite
the meat 
of notoriety of a certain group of society
where decisions were made
by a select few
Whom the masses never knew
that shaped the way the world would turn

The hand that shook once kissed by royalty
now wizened and palsied
picked up a crumb and stared at it
as if it were a gem
the jewels amassed as she recalled
in times of wealth
She placed the crumb in her mouth
and conjured up tastes when her palate was young
the delicate meats, the caviar
her suite in Paris
her gentleman friends

But all is gone now
Oh dear, she laments,oh dear
then she rises from the table and stands erect
befitting her character
and leaves the contents on the table
and the past behind

Ralph Sergi   contest:  NEW POETS OF SOUP  11/26/2013
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Ashley Avatar
November 1, 2017 at 8:37 PM
Ralph, such and intriguing, interesting and insightful write; picking up on the smallest details and nuances of the Grande Old Dame...'cream on the corner of her mouth' - such an intimate detail, and; 'picked up a crumb and stared at it as if it were a gem' - such a delicate observation.. A powerful yet tender write. Awesome!
Sergi Avatar
May 6, 2015 at 6:34 AM
Thanks Debbie: i saw a senior eating in a food court dressed so elegantly that I was inspired to write this poem using artistic license. an Italian hug.
Guzzi Avatar
May 5, 2015 at 7:33 PM
A wonderfully recorded scene, no matter the hieghts we ascend we do all fall down, with a rise there always is a fall. Light & Love
Anglesey Avatar
November 20, 2013 at 3:49 PM
A very interesting and detailed journey of another's life as an observer. So well written and imaged :)
Sergi Avatar
November 20, 2013 at 9:50 AM
Thanks, Frank: I like your poetic style and I can relate. I will continue to read your poems
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
November 16, 2013 at 10:12 PM
Glory days. A story well told.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 11, 2013 at 10:23 AM
Wow! I think this is my favorite! In fact I am adding you to my favorite poets.
Sergi Avatar
November 10, 2013 at 12:39 PM
Thank you, Gail. That was a perfectly worded portrayal of a CASINO participant and good advice as well Ralph S.
Debole Avatar
November 8, 2013 at 11:59 AM
Excellent read...I couldn't stop reading this touching story. Very well-written.
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