tea time on the battlefield

Sat at the tables
pre-set with teacups
we were told
were unbreakable

The battalions were
released
from the sidelines
not quite sure
of their target
or objective

Half-eaten scones
in the mud
and tea leaves
still settling at the bottom
of each cup

You adjusted
your fascinator
and I brushed off
the crumbs
as we compared
our footprints
to the horses'

I didn't like
cucumber sandwiches
anymore
and you didn't
care for
clotted cream

But the war
was fought over
pickles and milk
for decades
before we told anyone