Once Upon a Wednesday

Just another homey kitchen afternoon.
Lunch is in preparation, a cousin
looking on.

Mother stirs a sauce, then
stirs again as the phone
rings, secretive as
the backs of "Wheel of Fortune"
letter squares.

Cousin responds to the demanding
clamour.
We wait, silent, expectant,
for the phone to stop talking.

Cousin returns to report:

My brother died yesterday.

Lunch is served.

(15.8.2000)