the table
was always set
ready
prepared
waiting
for the guests
who never showed
the lacy white frill
ironed to perfection
crease free
pristine
and slightly starched
the little girl
set the silver so
making intimate eye contact
with every fork
knife
and especially the spoon
distorting her image
her smile broader
brighter
than real life
ever could possibly be
she spun
spoon in hand
mimicking face
she spun and twirled
as the flowers
were laid to rest
upon the center
of the oblong
warped table
set with pristine
pretend, make believe white
her dress making
higher and higher circles
around her
and her alone
she hummed
as only she knew how
and spun
until
she disappeared
from all view
everyone finally arrived
sat at the table white
ate from the flowered plates
and never knew that she
was gone
