The proverbial shoestring was all they had,
When the young pretty flapper married Dandy Dad,
Dishes were the bottom of those two's priorities,
All they could do was stay out of charities.


Now they'd charge on Mastercard or Visa,
But Debt was no option for Dan and Lisa.
Mama from groceries saved a penny or two
To walk to the drug store and buy a few.


Out they came Thanksgiving and Christmas,
Along with the silver plate from a felt box.
Then back in their silence they hid from sight,
Untouched by humans, tho not really locked.


My mama's dishes now sleep in a cupboard,
Tiny red roses all round the borders.
One by one she gathered that whole perfect set
From a Gunnings Drugs near by for her best.


When mama left us, the child with none
Inherited pink roses, and continued tradition,
‘Til modern times with values undone
(And a tiny dining room not for such conditions)


From Pyrex to Corel, and then to paper,
Beautiful Chinette with Holiday borders,
Seating all round the house for football or movies,
Mama's dishes still rest in that cupboard.


Now they've been willed to the next generation,
A single child and China has none,
Don't know how or if she likes pink roses,
Oh, how I hope she'll let them out for fun.


Oh, now I'm now missing Mama's pretty dishes!
And long to remember those Holidays ago
Maybe I'll put on the kettle and invite you,
For tea in pink roses and lace doilies to show.