The Queen of Hearts

We sat around the table,
A heart-shaped cake in the middle
A bowl of strawberries and custard
A fire in the wood-stove.

They were inviting,
And had been for many years
And it showed in their faces and smiles
And in the light in their eyes.

I was welcome there
And I wanted to stay for a while
For a childhood almost, or just until
I had learned but an inkling.

The head of the table
Was not taken by a man,
But graced with a presence of strength
And beauty, and motherhood.

Tall and straight she sat up
With her long hair cascading,
Like a wise and benevolent and radiant
Queen on her throne.

I was filled with questions
To which I felt certain
She had all the universally perfect answers,
For which I'd been searching.

But I sat to her right
Under red and pink streamers
Sipping white wine, and nibbling sweet cake,
And just enjoying the company.


Written by Rachael Sage Payne ©

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