An Old Wooden Table

An old wooden table with six majestic chairs,

Made of black wattle timber with an outstanding grain,

The seat cushions padded in green tartan,

Purchased second hand but it was easy to maintain.

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I can only imagine the memories, the trials, the tribulations,

This majestic table had seen with its families of the past,

But there were definitely many, given the life of this ensemble,

Because not only was it majestic, but it was built to last.

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The waxed grained tabletop was sturdy and beautifully arranged,

With each decorative piece slotted together with pride,

The legs gorgeously carved to perfection, holding forth that heavy top,

A reapplication of the wax coating, all that needed to be applied.

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My small family had seated at that table night after night,

The three of us eating dinner amongst our talk and our laughter,

Extended family had been welcomed when they came to visit,

But there were times that table saw nothing but disaster.

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Like the armoured fort it became as we sat huddled underneath,

As a category 5 cyclone bashed down more than our door,

The roof was lifted and the rain teemed inside,

As the wind screamed blue murder, and we sat on the floor.

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It wasn’t all bad as I favour the memories of old friends,

Sitting catching up on gossip with a coffee in hand,

Or the sensual massages received stretched out on top,

And travel maps spread wide as we made our plans.

***

Little boys sitting, eyes tearful, as they told me their troubles,

Other days where they’re dancing on top of that table,

Times we’d played monopoly or a game of cards,

And others where the boys sat quietly, as I read them a fable.

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It was around that glorious table many important decisions were made,

The important ones that counted as pinnacle to our survival,

Goodbye to love one’s with heartbreaking sobs,

The news of a precious baby’s timely arrival.

***

A first date or two that never went any further,

The pain of a major betrayal learned while seated there,

Signing a contract for the sale of a once loved house,

Children’s homework laid flat, the student sitting on the chair.

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That table heard the sounds of laughter, the sobs of pain,

An excited child’s giggle, the shocked silence of betrayal,

The loving hello’s and the relieved goodbyes,

The anguish and grief after a liar’s portrayal.

***

If only a piece of majestic furniture could talk,

I’d welcome the interesting conversations we’d hear,

Of love, family, friends, plans, heartbreak, cries,

Excitement, laughter, lovers, glee, worries, relief and fear.

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Originally posted on Medium