A Kitchen Education

When I was just a wee small girl Too young to be of use I'd sneak into the kitchen With a yearning for some juice. And there I'd find my Cleo In her apron starched and white Stretched way around her ample girth And a smile so big and bright. ''So, what you want, sweet Lissy girl?'' As she poured for me my drink... ''Come sit up here 'aside me, love'' And she'd lift me near the sink. I'd sit up high on the countertop And watch my Cleo cook and chop I'd sip my juice and swing my feet And learn of life and love so sweet. She'd tell me tales of days gone by We'd laugh and sing and eat And all the while her work progressed She never missed a beat. She took the time to talk with me Like I was nearly grown This fair, small girl of gentle birth Was treated as her own. We'd talk of this-'n-that-'n-such The content didn't matter 'Twas love that wise old woman gave Whilst stirring up her batter. I learned that love is listenin' And a slice of chocolate cake And simple things are usually best When you have a choice to make. I learned that love is giving If only of your time And a flour-smudged hug from loving arms Is a feeling so sublime. I learned that love is laughter And a kiss to a banged-up knee And a frothy glass of fresh, cold milk With a smile stirred in for free. I learned that love is sharing The bitter with the sweet And to leave a space on the countertop For a kid to swing her feet. Written November 1st, 1998 © on Nov 18 2001 04:51 AM PST   18 • 0 • 8