Linen
Napkins
By
Beverly Y. Murdock
(In
Memory of Ina Hoffman Rigby, my Great Grandmother)
Linen napkins sit with
graceful appointment
Upon her table in just
the right position
Never too far to the
left
Not a wrinkle was
noted on the
Crisp linen tablecloth
Each corner eyeing its
counterpart
matching
point for point
The water glass was
filled
one
-quarter inch from the top
not an eighth or one
-sixteenth
The dinner plates sat
between each table setting
glistening,
Ivory fresh , banded in delicate
blue
roses
All teacups sat upon
their saucers
Attentive to their
task, ever watchful
for
the appointed hour
when
they step upon the stage
Enclosing the heavenly
scented brew
From
Serving dishes lay in
wait to be
Heavily laden with
turkey, duck, ham and such
Fine wicker baskets
lined
With coordinated
napkins await the
Hot buttered rolls
kneaded, rolled and baked
Early in the morning!
Her hands orchestrate
a fine food symphony
Planned weeks in
advanced
Scrutinized by the
palates of the great grands and grands
Fathers and sons
Thankful daughters
were blessed with just one day of rest
Knowing that the day
would end all too soon
And they would take
center stage!