6pm

A sizzle and pop erupts from the pan,
and that green French cookware
brings its contents to life
Spoons and pans clink together
and create a symphony of sounds in the kitchen

In a rush of movement
blades chop, spoons stir, burners click-click-click and ignite
I sneak past my mother and peek into the oven
I am caught and drafted into some odd chore
I stir, chop, grate, whisk, zest, etc., etc., etc.

Venture outside this hub of activity
and you’ll discover
the polar opposite
of what is going on in the kitchen.
Almost complete stillness
Couches and chairs are occupied
Newspapers are being scanned
and channels surfed

Timers beep and the ears impatiently await the call
The potholders go down
and pots and bowls sit eagerly atop them
waiting for their appetizing insides
to be devoured

Chairs scoot in
Milk is poured
Spoons and forks clink
Mouths and tummies are filled
Hungers are satiated
And now we are contented

Bridget Wilds