Two little ladies met for tea.
Things were not as they used to be.
The hostess insisted for old time sake
They meet once more
for tea and cake.

Her hand shook slightly
as she reached for a cup.
It shook even more as she filled it up.
Younger eyes might readily see
Chips in the China,
leaves in the tea.

A tear in her eye signaled distress
as she said to her friend,
I must confess, I still love you dearly
and I'm glad you came;
but do me a favor,
please tell me your name."

The other looked up; she too was in tears
to think this could happen after so many years.
With a yellowed napkin, once white as snow,
she dabbed her eyes asking,
“How soon must you know?"

—Elaine Parker Akin