The Dinner Table

For a long time, we didn't have a dining table..'cos nobody wanted one. We never ate at the same time, so it seemed only right. And then one day, we got one ! and for the first few days, all of us fussed over it, like it were our new pet. We sat around it and wiped it every two hours (we still do, but i won't say willingly) and then we used all the mats and coasters in the world, so that our beloved wouldn't catch any stain. And eventually..the excitement wore out. the table aged and our enthusiasm fizzled off. .Now, i just pile my plate with food and sprawl on the floor in the front of the TV, or with a book, much to the irritation of my mother. The dining table has been a friend..it has borne the weight of our fat books and our wrath during exams. It has stood strong in times of pain..when we plopped our tired feet on it..and banged our bursting bags on it. Its stood witness to endless crosswords solved, witty comments made, and jokes cracked. Its seen a whole lot of tears and seen those swollen red eyes up close. Its been more than a friend.Its been more than glass and wood. Its been more than mealtimes. Its been more than most dining tables go..Its a part of us. And i think now we do need a dining table. and when i say this, i don't mean we eat at it now.We still eat on the floor :-)