howling wind rattles at the door
icy rain slashes against the windows
beneath the blazing globe
the black stove radiates heat
blasting cold from every corner

warm kitchen air thick with soup
barley and beef slow cooked to melting
bread fresh toasted butter soaked
crisply ironed tablecloth
white bowls plates bone-handled cutlery

in the centre the sunday cake
aging black bananas transformed
fragrant moist chocolate-iced

pink cheeked children sit
legs swinging shoes scuff lino floor
eyes alight as the ladle dips
waiting silent waiting mouth watering
waiting for father to lead grace

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©Catherine Meyrick.
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