it was alchemy
he was a sorcerer
Dad had the two youngest shortest
closest to the floor pull out various pots and pans he asked for
into them he divvied upnobody knew what stirred them together ON went the oven ON went the four stovetop gas burners
he was the oldest
his father gave him a big spoon and
told him to keep stirring the pots pans so they wouldnt burn
she wouldnt be home until later
What do you think, son, hot enough?
bread was on the table silverware cups of milk
Jah Dad I think
his Irish twin stood behind him and as
Dad doled out an indistinguishable portions hed take the plate from him hand him another then
serve it youngest first
when Irishs plate was served he sat down
he was served he sat down
Dad served himself and sat
Children. Let’s eat.
whatever it was was delicious
by the time Mom came home the emptied containers
pots pans dishes serving spoons ladles silverware cups were washed dried put away
Dad made something identifiable for Mom
and sat with her while she ate as the three eldest watched musical variety shows
on television
they played the sound low
sat six feet away
and listened as much to the music the singing the skits as they listened to the sound of their parents murmured talk
indistinguishable words
deeply loved
