Tea for one

she wrapped your invitation
with love and care
she was so excited for
both her parents to be there.

you enter.
you sit.
a sullen presence
at the back of the room.

we dance a silly dance.
everyone but you.
it's hard not to notice
the chill of your stare.

she practiced all week
to serve us tea and cookies
but you didn't want to stay.
I take my cup with a smile.

I shouldn't be surprised
and neither should she.
I try not to be disappointed.
and quietly drink my tea.

Author's Note

Reviews

[Rob Santana]

It's moments like these that children can either cherish or remember as a hurtful moment. This is the time when children will open their heart to you or build up a wall. You see, many parents seem to think that children at a young age won't remember much. I know that is wrong. I can remember as far back as pre-school my teachers name was Mrs. Mckibben and guess what? I can also remember how mean and cruel she was. Such a sad piece, truly breaks my heart.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you, yes, I know. My memories go back to 2 years old, and either really good memories or really bad ones are the only ones from those times. It is his loss. This I know. Thank you, as always.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Some people just don't learn the first time around. My husband placed the whole child-rearing, activity attending in my lap for my two oldest children, and then got suckerpunched when my son publicly proclaimed his karate sensei was his primary male role model in an eagle scout ceremony. That ate at him, and he only had himself to blame. He learned his lesson, and now attends anything and everything he can for my youngest. Just be there to pull double duty and help your daughter to understand some people are just a bit dumber than others. That doesn't mean he doesn't care. He just doesn't know how, and it hasn't dawned on him that his daughter is the single most important product of his life. He'll regret it later, but you can teach her that it isn't any fault of hers....she just has a dumb father. Go figure! :(

[Lyn Anderson]

I am fully aware. I just held out hope, at first that my marriage could somehow be resurrected, and then, when that became painfully clear that wasn't happening, that the kids could have a good childhood.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Do you have a brother that could swoop in to be that all important male family member at important school events such as this? If not, maybe get a family friend to come in just to have forces of caring outnumber the forces of he who obviously doesn't want to be there?

[Lyn Anderson]

The kids have good male role models in their life. However, at this point, any event that the X attends those people would be targets. It will get better, I am sure.

[Richard Layne]

Thank you for sharing this--i was that child once. And i tell you this, my father who was never really a part of my life for the first 20 years cried and apologized to me while he watched me play with my son (of course this is another 25 years later). Its a shame when people put other things ahead of what's really important in life. I hope that sullen presence figures it out before its too late.

[Lyn Anderson]

For his and the children's sake I hope so too. Thank you.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

When someone's heart is not in it tis best that not even come to the party and ruin it for everyone else.

Actually if I read this right it is about a child watching a mom try to win the father back, but maybe it is just me.

[Lyn Anderson]

Not at all. Just a mom with a daughter hoping that the father will be different than he has been for the sake of his child. I don't think that will ever happen.

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

Okay I see, well I was close :) Anyways still nicely done. It is a shame when a father/husband doesn't realize what is his missing out on.

[Lydia Shutter]

Such a poignant write. Dancing silly dances and sipping tea served by a child are two very special activities and parent and child can share. It is his loss if he chooses not to this. Your daughter notices....believe it. Lydi**

[Lyn Anderson]

I know. I need to learn to let it go.:)

[Coyote Poetry]

A beautiful story with a sad ending. Great hope became a disappointed tea date. I like the feel of child thoughts and emotion. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry dear friend.
Coyote

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you as always friend

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome my dear friend.

[Pryde Foltz]

Heartbreaking … a child's heart is forming … the more of yours you give the bigger hers becomes. Some may be a little too shrivelled to know this. Poignant piece, KL.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you. I know. It's why I must do my best to build a new life.

[NoelHC]

A meme I saw recently on the internet read something like "When a toddler hands you a toy phone to talk on, you damn well better take that call!" Same principle applies here.
Well expressed.

[willweb]

Why can't people just put their feelings aside, if only for a few moments, if only to bring a smile to a child's face? Why are some so selfish? So very sad KLGoode. This one breaks my heart.

[Lyn Anderson]

It isn't any different than it ever was, except now he has an excuse.

[Rene Salinas]

Expectations. I used to have so many , I don't think any of the ones I imagine would come to reality did in the end come to fruition or not at least in the way I imagined. I think that applies and the moments when things do turn out the way we envision them are rare. In the world of relationships, uff! I'll be damn. Embrace for the worse, hope for the best.

Thankyou

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you, my expectations were those that were proven, although I would rather that not be so.