Tealightful Monday

The Guest Book

by Carla Muir

When I was young, I'd visit folks

who lived on neighboring streets.

A widow often asked me in 

for tea and pastry treats.

She made me feel special with 

a table set just so,

while she would talk of baking and

how long to raise the dough.

Politely, I would listen although

thoughts would often stray.

Each time I left, I gave my word

I'd come another day.

Before I went to college

she asked that I stop by.

she opend up her old gues book

while trying not to cry.

Then as she paged through many years,

in pen I saw my name.

For she had written in that book

the days and times I came.

"You won't learn this in textbooks,"

she softly said to me ----

"how you can lift another's soul

with just a cup of tea."