‘Tis the Season

Busy sounds make a happy NOISE from every kitchen
Spicy smells follow, wafting along on the breeze
All around the block, bakers ENDOW homes
like wealthy bankers beset by a fit of generosity.

Georg’ann

What the body holds onto.

Her father had strong opinions.
To SWEAR was inarticulate.
Only china for tea and coffee.
No mugs for this man.
Curry used to disguise rotting meat.
Garlic was an unnecessary
assault on the tongue. He’d have none.
WHITE clothing strictly held
to June, July, August. No exceptions.

Weight was to be kept BELOW
certain markers, which was
monitored by weekly weighing
of his daughters, both of whom
failed to meet the standard. Ever.
He did not mean to ENDOW
them with disorders. Surely not.

In the months after his death,
without changing a thing,
100 pounds went missing from
the youngest. A lifetime of heavy
handed expectation melted away.

Heather