FINE DINING

A homemade Supper

FINE DINING

 

I am inclined toward a nap, yet I am not sleepy

Perhaps if I read for a bit my eyes shall close on their own

At once, I hear a knock on my door

I open it and it is Christine, what a surprise

She usually does not appear upstairs

She invites me to her private quarters for a supper

relates that she cooked more than she intended

And would like to share it with me

 

I oblige pleasantly, how lovely of her to carry this out

She reveals that 7 o’clock would be just fine

I inquire whether to add something to this event

She replies that it is not necessary and has all the fixings

 

I suppose my nap shall not happen

I have one half hour to spruce up

rummage through my closet to find proper clothing

That shall fit me

I find a lovely tent like dress, even though I am not that large yet

And a necklace and earrings that match

I adorn some makeup, eyebrow pencil, and some pink rouge to make my pale cheeks appear to be bright

I view myself in a mirror and presume this is the best I can do at present

 

I am keen now to go downstairs to have supper with Christine, wonder what she has cooked

She greets me at the bottom of the stairs

And escorts me into her private quarters

A lovely set of rooms with plenty of windows

A sitting room, kitchen, dining area, bedroom, and bath

All fitted up nicely

She pours me a glass of sherry, on the dry side

Which is delicious

I shall not ask what she prepared for supper

Would like a surprise

Along with aperitifs, she presented some small toasts with caviar

Quite tasty I must say

Should I drink alcohol while pregnant?

Oh, I do not believe it shall hurt, just a bit

I see other women big and pregnant drinking and smoking

Yet I shall mention it to my doctor, next visit

The sherry goes to my head, a bit tipsy perhaps

At  once my stomach growls, I hope we dine very soon

My baby kicks and informs me that he has hunger pains as well

I rub my belly to calm him

And whisper words of assurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Lorry]

And that Betty, is the difference between men and women. Panicked at only having an hour to dress??? Then fretting over all those little embellishments like jewellery!!! Whereas it is common knowledge that us men just grab the first clean thing, look in the mirror and no matter what everyone else thinks of us, we can still wink to the mirror, smile and say "killer!" 😀
Are we going to be finding out what the menu was in another instalment or should we guess.
Judging by the feeling that your words are from a long gone past, im guessing pulled pork isnt on the menu, which leads us to another question, when did pulling pork become essential for a dining experience? And why pork? Why don't we pull anything else? Pfft!
I think for breakfast tomorrow I might have some pulled toast and pulled eggs!
Erm, I seem to have drifted off topic there and apologise profusely. Forgot I was still typing. And why am I still thinking why I've never tried a pulled coffee? Come on Baristas... stop twiddling your tache and get to it! 😀

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you my friend... I doubt you'll ever know the next course!!! Love your review!
Warmly, B

[Jansy]

B, hello, hello. I must confess, I’m still new to this site and haven’t read the other parts of this saga, but Fine Dining alone feels like a full immersion into a world of quiet wonder. Reading it felt like stepping into a space where every gesture, every detail, and every flavor carries its own subtle poetry. The way you unfold Christine’s invitation, the careful layering of preparation, the anticipation, and the eventual delight of the supper....all of it reads like a meditation on presence and attention.

I love how the poem captures both the exterior ritual and the interior life: the quiet excitement, the little anxieties, and the tender attentiveness to self and child. Each moment; from choosing the dress to savoring the sherry and caviar....is imbued with a sense of care that feels luminous and intimate. It’s a beautiful reminder that poetry can live in small, seemingly ordinary acts, and still carry extraordinary resonance.

Warm light,
James

[Betty Hermelee]

Hi Jansy
Just because you are new doesn't mean you're not talented....you ARE a talented writer and reviewer!!!
and I welcome you work and your reviews!!!!!!
Warmly, B

[Betty Hermelee]

but please write in your own words!
Warmly, B

[Betty Hermelee]

Maybe it's baby food! Who knows! Thank you my dear friend and excellent poet! See you on FB!
Warmly, B

[Vol]

Betty,
Cute AND clever!
But WHAT? Steak? Lobster? Chinese? Mexican? Did you get full? was there desert?
Vol

[Betty Hermelee]

I guess I forgot desert, but then again it's not in my orbit!!! Thanks my friend!
Warmly, B

[Betty Hermelee]

You will know soon what the menus is!!!
Warmly, B

[Vol]

Thank you for the "warmly!" It has been a good day, I got a hug from the dental assistant, and now, you! :-)

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for checking out my portrait on FB...don't even know why I put it there!

[Vol]

I know what you mean... 'the internet is a sinister master! and the evidence is there for anyone who wants to look...

[Thomas W Case]

I love your storytelling ability. You bring this to life.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks so much for you support and reviews friend!
Warmly, B

[Stella Armour]

Christine is very caring and kind, i wonder if she has been in a similiar situation herself ?
Thankfully the baby seems to be growing and thriving now that mum is not so stressed, i do hope it is a little girl 💖
But i am looking too much into the future, for now she is safe and happy.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Stella for your undivided support and lovely reviews!
Warmly, B

[RomaJ]

Christine’s care and attentiveness shine beautifully in this piece. I love how you balance Lilly’s internal reflections with the gentle details of the moment .. the careful selection of clothing, the makeup, and even the subtle consideration about drinking sherry while pregnant. The tenderness of Christine’s hospitality, paired with Lilly’s awareness of her unborn child, makes the scene intimate and vivid. I also appreciated the small touches of humor and humanity, like the baby’s hunger nudging alongside Lilly’s own. This slice-of-life moment feels both comforting and deeply moving, a quiet meditation on connection, care, and the little joys that make life meaningful. beautifully detailed and heartfelt scene.

[Betty Hermelee]

You are amazing Roma, I love all of your reviews...always spot on and poignant...and I am very appreciative
Warmly, B

[John the Baptist]

Not sure if this is part of the Bridges series, but this too concerns a pregnant woman on her own. She is invited to dinner by a downstairs neighbor. Apparently taken aback, she struggles to make herself presentable. The atmosphere in the neighbor's quarters is pleasant enough, but she wonders if she should be drinking alcohol in her condition. She is still learning the do's and don'ts of motherhood.

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes she is! These are moments of joy...but wait
Thank you my friend always glad when you visit
Warmly, B