Rita Makes a Great Cup Of Tea

I knocked on Rita's door and the time she took to open it made me turn and leave.
Two steps out I heard a shout, "Is that you, are you coming in?".
I turned and said "I'm here to ….." and she cut me off like sharp wit on a good day
With the words "I thought you'd never get here what kept you boy? come in now that you’re here".
I rounded the door and moved through the hall.
She was slow on her feet but could talk for 'em all.
She talked me into the kitchen which I shouldn't have allowed
but she was forbearing and wonderful and ever so slightly proud.
" 'Tis out the back you'll find it but first you'll have a cup of tea to warm the day".
And before I could say boo, I was talked to the table and sat for the tea.
I couldn't resist fruitcake and a cuppa for I was partial to both and the day had a chill.
all the excuses came at once, but when I tasted the tea it tasted funny to me
but funny in a good way and unknown to me I do believe it was with whiskey that she spiked my tea.
I didn't complain for I was partial to a drop myself and after all it's the spirit of life.
She proceeded to tell me her life's story while feeding the cat and saying occasionally
"Do you know what I mean lad?"
She was a gem and all around her were bits of her life, from pictures to postcards,
to a sink full of pots in need of indulging .
Then she asked "Will it take you long for I'm going for a nap.
The days are too long and the nights are too short lad, I need my little bit in between.
Now come and I'll show you the heater". "What heater?" I asked.
"You’re here to fix the heater aren't you?" "No I'm here to read the meter".
But she didn't seem put out when I told her the bad news and led the way to the meter box.
But I had drank a good few cups of tea and at this stage I think the meter was reading me.
There's worse things that could happen but Rita makes a great cup of tea.

Author John O'B