Miss Ruby

Miss Ruby, came over for tea today

with a gift of blueberry jam.

The servant Grace met her at the door

said, "This way if you please ma'am."

As they entered the front room parlor;

Miss Ruby's eyes peered every where.

Grace thought she favored an old owl

as she craned her neck to stare.

Mrs. Winters finally entered the parlor

they exchanged their ' how-do-you-do's.'

She asked Ruby, "How many sugars Dear."

Miss Ruby replied ,"Only two."

Grace scurried out with the tea-tray

and retired out in the hall.

So she could rest with one ear cocked

in case Mrs. Winters should call.

Of course Gracie could not help

but overhear as they began to speak.

Miss Ruby had so much to tell and re-tell

on this the third day of the week.

There was breaking news of the Widow Brown

who was caught in Messner's store.

In her coat she had two pork roasts

in her pocket-book she had more.

Then of course the story of the Smith girl

the one who was sent away.

One would think they'd have avoided

such a thing; in these modern days.

Miss Ruby groaned as she shifted her weight

whispered, "surely you've heard the tale;

of the Deacon James Adams and family

leaving town when the stock markets fell."

She fanned with this week's church bulletin

she asked, "Tell me what do you think,

of our new Pastor and the Deacon Board

renting out the town skating rink?

Why it seems such a waste in my mind

you reach young folks while in class.

I'll remember this waste the next time;

that offering basket is passed."

There was quiet for the space of one minute

as Ruby took a sip of her tea.

Glancing up at poor Mrs. Winters spoke,

"Seems the only one talking  is me."

Mrs. Winters toyed with the scarf at her neck

and carefully thought her words through.

She sipped at her tea looked at Ruby and spoke

"Dear, I simply must talk to you;

I have been sitting here listening

seems your life is empty at best.

You have been here for over an hour

and have not given your tongue a rest.

Yet you never speak of your own life

just gossip of other souls pain.

Ruby, it breaks the Great Father's heart Dear,

that your gossiping go's unrestrained.

If you had sat down at the Father's feet

and shared these 'concerns' with Him;

you'd have more to share than a church bulletin

to tell folks where you have been.

You would carry the glorious Light of His love

reflected in your dear face.

And instead of this gossip and malice Dear,

your heart would be full of His grace."

Mrs. Winters then picked up her tea-cup

took a sip and gave Ruby some space.

She surmised she had wasted her breath and her words

by the look on Miss Ruby's face.

Ruby rose and said, "I would thank you,

for the tea and cake this afternoon.

I must hurry or I'll miss my appointment

for tea with Wilhelmina Bethune."

So as Ruby raced down the side-walk

Mrs. Winters leaned back for a rest.

Called Gracie to come clear the tea set

and bore Ruby to the Great Father's breast.

                                                    

    c.d.m.4/14/09
 

Like 0 Pin it 0