the good china

wanting to make a good
impression
you set out the fine china,
yes you have
good china.
it's a little dusty having
been stored in a box
from having moved
three times in five years
after the divorce,
but it's nice china.
dainty with fine printed
leaves or something.
there's a gold band running
along the outer edge of the plate.
very fancy.
you can't even put it in
the dishwasher, it's that
nice.
so you set out the plates,
the tea cups with their
little saucers, soup bowls,
the dessert plates
and a large oval serving dish.
then you wait for her
to arrive, your date,
and for the door to ring
with your delivery of
kung pao chicken, and
crispy beef.