Page 43 - 2019 Priory MUSE Magazine

the kitchen by Carmen Alvarez
the kitchen takes its first breath at dawn
opening its eyes to welcome each ray of sunlight.
the kitchen’s heart beats as warm, bare feet walk on frozen, red tiles. a kettle whistles loudly, trying to sing with the birds outside,
while a flame tickles the sizzling oil in a hot pan.
the yellow table gets dressed in white plates and white napkins
as a radio wakes up the rest of the house.
the kitchen giggles as children run down the hall
hungry after a night full of dreams.
ears listen as mouths filled offood and words tell jokes
and the kitchen listens too.
at night, the kitchen welcomes the family home
with a warm plate of frijoles and tortillas and arroz.
there is always just enough food in the fridge
but never enough dessert.
the kitchen never forgets to feed the hungry at midnight,
or the quiet guests from a loud party.
the kitchen never forgets to feed the dog.
the kitchen always makes room for one more.
and its heart beats at the rhythm of my family’s laughter
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