My HEART gave a little flutter — is this just a FLUKE? Or this tender SCENE of love and affection to be more the norm? Can I count on this dash of SPICE to be a part of our romance going forward?? I gratefully bury my nose in the rose bouquet, then coyly pull the note from the gift box. I could get used to this real quick.

Georg’ann

This morning I FOUND the first recipe ever given to me-
tucked among papers, pens, rubber bands, 
magnets, twist ties, pill boxes readers
in the quintessential kitchen table junk drawer. 
Torn in two pieces at the fold, stained, faded. 
My aunt’s swirly handwriting measuring 
the ingredients for my delight, step by step. 
Dated, 1974, ending with a thanks to me 
for having given her the recipe cards.
Pushing back my CHAIR, 
I pull out a STICK of butter, 
already anticipating the first SLICE
Aunt Wick’s SPICE cake, warm 
and comforting. 

[Unlike the kitchen where I first ate it, 
Every bit like the one in which I’ll bake it today.]??

Heather