A bejeweled hand with prisms of precious stones glittering lifts a monogrammed letter opener to read letters left in a silver receiving tray on the hallway console table along with calling cards. The letters make their way to the desk to be placed among other articles that are pertinent to the situation. A vase of fragrant flowers greet the person upon arrival as they sit. A glazed window freeze frames a glance to the garden where flowers of a delicate nature such as roses or rhododendrons dance in a faint breeze and hark the sun's arrival.

Upon completion of the letters and notes, a wick of flaming red wax is lit and a seal is entrusted with the inner thoughts of the writer to the bearer.

At such time in the afternoon when the mail arrives, we might see the person once again in the room enjoying Darjeeling tea with a hint of lemon, sugar or Devonshire cream. A service of shinned metal gives a lustrous glare from the afternoon alabaster from the now half-drawn window; a gleaming mahogany muffin stand accompanies the simmering tea and a tea party of sorts is at hand. Placed on doilied Haviland or Dresden china, a family heirloom looked upon with fondness, are pastries and morsels of uncrusted bread with filings to savor until an evening meal can be enjoyed. All that is heard is the clinking of sterling against translucent cup and the ticktock of a mantle clock recording the moment as it strikes the hour.

One might think of this as a picture from the Edwardian time portraying someone's grandparent, be it rustling skirts or stiff starched collars. A time that is looked upon now as a resting pastime but to the person then it may have been a time of toil and trouble. However to us, the onlooker, it is a picture of a semblance that makes us yearn for a time gone by.

June 4, 1999

Mark Edward Rogers