PARTNERS

IN MY KITCHEN

In my kitchen

My favourite old spoon leans in an old pot.

The burn mark shows where I leave it on the pan,

across the top.

I always do it,

and I always hear a voice say ,

"Don't cook the spoon!"

When you show me the fan you brought home from your

Grandma's kitchen in Sylhet,

When you laugh over the battered cookery book you love but cannot read ,

When you bring in to show me favourite things,

Lay on the table sieves and tea bag holders,

bowls and floral aprons, pretty china plates and battered crocks,

I think I see into your kitchens.

I think I see you chatting to your Mum -

She cooks and listens and cooks and hears your day.

I think I see you sitting with a cup of tea, or listening for your children's step upon the stairs.

I think I see you leaning at the sink and thinking.

I look at my favourite spoon and think of you.