At Big Tent Poetry, we were asked to think long and hard about our dwellings… then write about a favorite place. I knew right away where my heart lay.
OUR KITCHEN (for Lex)
In times long passed,
the kitchen hearth was
the heart of every home.
Scent of drying herbs
a potpourri of potted and garden delights.
Fresh-baked bread beckoning.
Perhaps a rocking chair for Gram
as she sat and choreographed
the preparation of the evening meal.
And always, a pot of coffee.
Our own kitchen is quite small,
but the walls, tomato red, stir appetites.
We collaborate on meals:
Here’s the wooden board, I’ll chop veggies
while you brown the chicken.
You, the king of piecrust, rule the rolling pin
while I slice apples and stir in spices.
Occasionally, we bump butts, laughing.
Small space, but a romantic place.
Our kitchen is the heart of our home.
Rented, but ours, still
because we’ve made it so.
The cat watches longingly from his perch
awaiting his shre.
We cook, bake, talk, share
and pray over the meal we prepare,
for patience, for love to loom large
over the rest of the world. As for me and mine,
we are at peace.
© 2010 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Sharp Little Pencil 
vivinfrance
This is lovely, contains many truths. But please, what is shre?
Sharp Little Pencil
Oops, “shre” is a typo. plain and simple. Was supposed to be “awaiting his SHARE.” Thanks for your sharp eyes, Viv!
Alternate reply: “shre” is Gable’s favorite dish. It’s made of fish heads and bits of chicken liver. Probably why he’s so fat? ha ha ha
Amy
G. K. Asante
Very charming piece. I especially enjoyed the sentimentality of the last part.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks for stopping by, and I appreciate your comment, “charming.” That’s exactly what I was hoping to convey! Do you have a blog to check out? Would love to read your writing…. Peace, Amy
Laurie Kolp
Amy~ Very heartwarming. I love it that Grandma choreographed meals and even though your kitchen now is small (mine is too), it’s the core of your home. Great ending, too!
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Laurie. There’s no place like home, especially when it smells of apple crisp with extra cinnamon … and coffee!! Amy
liv2write2day
Oh Amy, yum. I can smell delicious food and feel the hominess of the picture you paint. When shall I stop by for a piece of pie?
Sharp Little Pencil
Just give me a call when you’re in the Buffalo area and you are most welcome! 🙂 Amy
Deb
A wonderful look at a relationship through the vehicle of the home, in particular the kitchen.
I enjoyed reading your poem.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Deb. The kitchen is almost always my favorite room in every home I every visited. Thanks for stopping by; I’ll do the same f or you! Amy