Rules of Making Tea.

Wayne Duckworth
Aug 8, 2017 · 2 min read
Photo by Jim DiGritz on Unsplash

I approached and curled my hand around your waist,

you were making a sandwich.

I stood back and gave you space.

I asked you in the kitchen,

in your lunch break

covered in cow shit

or maybe horse poo

stinking of it too.

‘What do you like about me?’

I was afraid to ask but I did,

afraid to hear your answer,

but hoped you’d say something romantic,

profound, horny or even just cute.

Instead you squirmed uncomfortably,

I could have guessed.

You took a bite, and hoped I’d go away

or at least change the subject,

but I waited, hoping to hear more

than the joint clicking in your jaw.

I wondered where your hands had been today

around another waist?

Sliding over another’s belly?

No….well unless they belonged to a pregnant sow.

You saw I was going nowhere,

fixed to the spot and waiting.

Why did you find it so difficult to answer?

I heard your breathing,

knee against the cupboard door

and clink as you stirred your tea.

My tummy rumbled, throat parched

wondering why you never asked

if I’d like tea too?

Maybe it’s a stupid question to ask

I’m sure it is,

I really have no clue about what to say

or how to be with another

Is it the worst question to ask?

Worst ever?

Well yes, it said something about my own

naivety and insecurity.

It was over ten years ago now

not that that’s an excuse

probably why I’m single,

and still have no idea about love

and intimacy

and rules of making tea.

You rarely made eye contact

only when you penetrated me

then you really watched

as I let go,

surrender to your push,

pleasure at my annoyance

that I was not allowed to be on top

switch polarity so to speak.

You didn’t want to surrender,

be reminded of times you were weak,

instead you vicariously enjoyed my submission.

You barely looked up, chewed then swallowed your bite,

‘I like the way you are with the dog, you said

how you play with her.’

That’s the only answer I got,

well I did ask.

Wayne Duckworth
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