FROM INSIDE THE SKILLET
Dust settles as the Delta sunset rolls across plowed fields
and crinkles of dark
trees lining the edge
of
Facing westward toward the crimson fog
she watches as black engulfs the last fire
coal
of day--
though tomorrow's repeat performance sizzles
on the edge of her mind
like one more fritter
on the cast iron skillet.
From
inside the windows blaze orange;
nightly chores wait like a red-hot oven
unappeased no matter how much
wood is
shoved into its ruby
mouth.
She walks to the edge of the porch
almost tripping over the Irish
setter glued to the steps--
Rudy is always in the way.
A toddler in a scarlet shirt waddles
through the door waving a spoon.
She picks him up-- then his britches and
walks slowly toward the swing.
Singing softly hugging him to her breast
they swing like crickets
waiting for the moon.
Frances
Brinkley Cowden
From View from a
COTTON SACK, 1-884289-03-7. Illustrated by the author.
This collection of prize-winning poetry and short prose
emphasizes family values and farm life in
Cloth, gold imprint, with dust jacket as
featured on the welcome page. 1993, List $21.95--
paperback is $6.