Mid-week dinner for eight,
husband’s work, leave everywhere
early but still run late. Juggle dishwasher,
pots, knives, vegetables, vacuum, a four-layer cake
that wants to fall apart. Before my daughter caught
the bus she said, how nice that I could fit whatever
I like into my day, in contrast to her,
a homework slave. For a minute

I consider leaving mid-mess,
water boiling, onion peel scattered, tomato
dripping, table covered and my bitter
eggplant just
half-baked. Instead I finish my assignment, leave two
wishful sinks soaking for someone else later.


From Obstructed View (Fireweed Press, 2009)
Used with the author’s permission.