Tea & Truth (Poetry)

[ Proverb: The Devil sometimes tells the truth ]

The Devil dropped by unannounced
while I was making tea
then smiling, looked around and said
‘Would you have a cup for me?’

I nodded, stirred the pot and poured
too wary to refuse
the Devil chose himself a seat
and kicked off his red shoes

‘Do you have some biscuits or perhaps
a slice of homemade cake?’
Again I nodded — fetched a tin
and hoped for goodness sake

he wouldn’t stop too long because
the clock showed ten to four
and soon the vicar would arrive
at my now-tainted door

While I perched anxious on a stool
the Devil sipped and chewed
enjoyed Earl Grey and cherry cake
despite the awkward mood

and if he saw each furtive glance
towards the ticking clock
or read my thoughts he gave no sign
but stayed as if to mock

my reluctant hospitality
by asking me for more
and another six cups later
still no knock at my front door

‘I guess he isn’t coming then ...’
the Devil shook his head
‘Your vicar’s indisposed — you’ll have
to suffer me instead!’

‘Oh, my God! — What have you done to him?’
‘Not God, my dear, but I —
your holy man has lost his way
there’s gold dust in his eye

‘Although his collar may look white
his heart is none too clean
his appetites are worldly ones
and daily grow more keen

‘You’re better off with me, for sure
to wait on as your guest
for I’m exactly what I am —
no saint goes darkly-dressed ...

‘My thanks’ He bowed, brushed off some crumbs
‘A word before I go —
Tea’s always best when taken with
the devil that you know’