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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Hot and Cold (04/09/09)
Two ladies sat chatting (as two ladies will)
of knitting and cooking and similar swill.
They spoke of the weather: "Oh, my, it's too hot."
And they spoke of the news: "That man must be caught!"
They talked about grandkids... and great-grandkids, too.
They talked and they talked and, my, how the time flew.
For nearly four hours they shared the porch swing,
and learned that their views were the same... in all things..

One lady suggested they share cookies and tea
at a quaint little bistro at just before three.
Oh, this would be darling... they both knew it would...
so they settled back softly awaiting their food.
The cookies they ordered were chewy and soft,
each lady ate one 'til their tea could be brought.
But when the tea came, fresh brewed and ice cold,
one lady, quite tiffed, raised her finger to scold.

"We ordered some tea. What is this you have brought?
It's surely not tea. It's not even hot.
Take both of these back and this time do it right."
The waiter prepared to obey without fight.
"Don't you dare take that back." the other one hissed.
"Tea should always be cold... that's how it is best."
"Cold?" cried the other, "Ice cold tea can't be creamed."
"You know nothing of tea." the other one screamed.

The poor waiter watched as the two went to war,
curious, just curious, as to what this was for.
The friendship they shared was not showing at all
but he knew he must be the man in this brawl.
"Ladies," he offered, a broad smile on his face,
"I have a suggestion... why not take a taste?
If one likes tea hot, why not try it cold?
And the other try hot, it's really quite bold."

The ladies stopped yapping and just looked at him,
He smiled back at them, with his grinniest grin.
"Well," said the first one, "I guess I could try it,
If it isn't tasty I simply won't buy it."
So both ladies took sips of the tea they had
and both ladies admitted that it wasn't half bad.
"I like the tea hot." the cold tea lover stated.
"I'd never have dreamed, but I'm simply elated."

The other one whispered "If I had but known,
I'm sure that ice tea would have been in my home."
The ladies returned to their chattering bliss
and the waiter brought tea to the table 'til six.

So what is my reason for writing of tea?
Is there a deep meaning that readers should see?
There is, if you're looking, I'm sure you'll find
life changing truth hidden in every line.
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This article has been read 1945 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Shirley McClay
04/16/09
I know nothing about poetry but I know that this poem has me from the first line to the last, Very fun to read!
Linda Payne
04/16/09
Delightful! How silly we act sometimes, getting upset over the simplest things, afraid to try something new or different. Thanks for an enjoyable and well-written entry.
Charla Diehl
04/16/09
Very clever and entertaining.
Marsha Sue Pitman
04/19/09
What a clever, well written piece! And oh so true...Its funny, I felt like I was right there on the swing, and at the table!
Kristen Hester
04/20/09
This is FANTASTIC. I ONLY drink iced tea...and I drink it ALL day. My hubby drinks his hot. Maybe....

Really, this was delightful and I enjoyed every line. I also love a challenge and see many truths in your poem, but I'm not sure if I know exactly what your're loooking for. Perhaps, that we shouldn't judge others unless we've walked in their shoes (or sipped their tea!). Also, don't criticize what you don't know. It's okay to have friends who are different and we should appreciate those differences.(Those last two don't quite fit). Am I even close??

Once again, BRAVO!
Jan Ackerson
04/20/09
Delightful poem--I caught the slant rhyme in a few places--and I could visualize every moment. Love it, Gerald!
Verna Cole Mitchell 
04/20/09
I can't say I found life-changing truth in every line, but I certainly enjoyed your poem and chuckled that the ladies didn't swap teas when they were brought.
Joshua Janoski
04/22/09
Not sure of the challenge you speak of, but I am sure that I love this. I cannot write poetry, but I admire those who can. Not only is this poem well-written, but it is also very clever and fun to read. Some poetry can be bland and boring, but this poem made me laugh and taught me a good lesson. One of my favorites so far this week.
Betty Castleberry
04/22/09
Who are these ladies? Where do they live? I have to meet them. They are delightful. I stumbled once or twice on the meter, but that doesn't negate the fact that this is a very charming poem. I think I got your message. Is it be willing, be flexible, don't judge? Hey, even if that's not what you meant, maybe you will find it cool that somebody gleaned that from it.
Connie Dixon
04/22/09
Great poem, loved it. Grinniest grin? Very clever.
Diana Smith 
04/22/09
Adorable and fun, fun, fun like Dr. Suess for adults!! The last lines made me NEED to go back and read it all again. Perfect.
Laury Hubrich 
04/22/09
Very funny, and of course - the man had to come to the rescue:) Funny poem, funny is my favorite:)
Mona Purvis
04/22/09
I loved this si much, Gerald! It is the simple things, sharing time and tea, that hold high value with me.
It the South, tea is
SWEET TEA.
great entry.
mona
Beckie Stewart
04/22/09
This was a great poem, flowed well, and I did indeed get the meaning that we should always be willing to try new things in life.
Yvonne Blake 
04/22/09
Giggle... I liked the setting of the first stanza...very typical!
Well done, as usual!
Sharon Kane
04/22/09
Very witty. Makes me squirm at how petty and catty we ladies can be.
Tallylah Monroe
04/22/09
You nailed it!
A perfectly delightful, witty read.
I always enjoy your entries.
Kimberly Michalski 
04/29/09
Hee!
Jules St. Jermaine 
10/15/13
I loved this and how it shows we could all benefit from seeing things from a different perspective at times.