In amongst this bittersweet gathering
You both slice me looks, quickly
As I savour my cake

Under the easy chatter & voices
Comes a growl from behind your teeth
The dog chases the kids, comically

I sip my tea, smiling & laughing
Your jealousy pours as thick as cream & just as sour
White, one sugar please

I get her a drink at the table
Your hatred boils at my proximity
I mix with a steady hand, oblivious

I forget you're both there in this garden
You make your excuse to leave, defeated
My unbreakable peace doesn't falter now
I pick the crumbs from my plate & lick them from my fingers

Something about how it used to be,
makes my heart ache
We both feel it,
even if my pride masks my half
So, do you?
Are you so afraid to admit
What used to be?
That you liked it,
That you miss it,
That you want it in your grasp again
Peace and serenity,
but with the pointless, angry screams
at who I used to be
We'll never have
what once was,
what used to be.