If you want
come with me
we will see
Ernestine
pour the tea

We will see
how her sister
Miss Rose
boils the milk
gives the cats
what is theirs
and the rest
will be free
for the tea

But please don’t
come with me
if you are bothered
by fleas

If in wondering joy
like to see
vintage manners
old bibles
true stories of
green elves and sylphs
come with me
to the wondrous
house by the sea
to see sweet
Ernestine
pour the tea
with hard bread
that she serves
in alabaster
cups
on jacaranda
trays
of
jacaranda
trees
just for you
and for me
but don’t say
that the cups
do not match
they are rare
collection
of appreciative
lore
instead feel
the aroma
of jasmine
in the air and be aware
to feel
how you feel

Look around
you will see
picture frames
gold and silver
filled
enlarged photographs
of aunties and uncles
and the Mason brother
who went out
to sea

She will tell you
how a morning
angel
stood right, right here
by the window sill
when time stood
still
don’t look away please
look into her
eyes
limpid innocence
and a child’s
grin

She will tell you
how she went around
giving to the children
loquat fruit to eat
before her landlord
cut down all the trees
we needed the space
to hang out the clothes
outside in the spring
with no criticism
she will pour more tea

If the cups are spotted
or darkened by tea
think of antiquish
patina
and look at the hills
If you hear clear jingles
playing
the saucer and cup
in her trembling hand
don’t look away
listen
how clear the notes
of the china chime

But if you
do behave
she’ll invite you
someday
to come Sunday
to pray
at the corner
small room
overlooking
the train
and you’ll see
all her saints
all her saints

If you don’t
criticize
and you see
what I see
you will marvel
at the house by the sea
she will open
the door
double chain
and key
and will lead you
slowly
up the stairs
to see

how it is
to be ninety-four
frail
and a child
within