winter’s drain
in sophie’s skin
hands soaked
in summers knowledge

lavender & squash
pumpkin seeds
in brown paper

keep well my vegetables

layers steamed till
translucent skin comes between teeth
the tastes of cream,
pepper – a rare admitted error

keep well my vegetables

the regulars drag their heels,
eyes,
catch on threads
stitched between the two of us

she waits alone

I watch you water twice a day
the soil and closing leaves.

in an unseen breeze