X Podunk Poem by Madam Anonymous

For S, at his request.3/2/08

There is no better place in the labyrinth of New York,
For a quiet conversation or enjoy husband and tea,
A restful Saturday afternoon with the family.

Than Podunk- a tea shop in the East Village,
In old English, it means 'Middle of Nowhere',
Is filled with eclectic nick-knacks and antiques rare.

Elspeth, the charismatic owner, far from the maddening crowd
Aloof, at the far end of the cafe presides,
Amongst colorful chintz and fufu teapots resides.

Matronly and business-woman like, she conjures,
Cucumber sandwiches, cardamom cakes and cheese straws,
Caution, no laptops, dawdling or takeout teas are her laws.

Be forewarned, there are no bathrooms here,
Some think she rules with an iron hand,
Refuses to submit to the convenient Starbucks trend.

The house blended Sage Apricot tea and Rose Lavender chai,
Make this middle-of-the-block, nowhere place,
A Quaint, chic, hippie oasis in the New York rat race.

Popular to the nubile maidens and adventurous couples,
In spite of no-credit-card and self-service policy,
Perfect for a Saturday afternoon rendezvous with the family.