The Story*

She told me the story over some Earl Grey
and Jaffa cakes. The tea and cakes were nothing
special, but on that day the air seemed a little heavy
and she sighed often, before finally taking a sip.

So began the story of a summer from her teens,
of sun, sand and uncensored first love, played out to
the sounds of Joan Baez and disapproving families,
before its tragic and sudden end.

I listened, surprised by my own emotion, and when
I left that day, the tea and cakes remained tragically
untouched on the table and I understood-
after 30 years, I had finally met my mother.



*Inspired by another's story and the potential damage
of long held family secrets.