IAN BELLARD
The open back door separated
the grand domains,
the garden and the kitchen,
the grand-parents’ domains
each with their tools and tasks.
Rows of spuds and spoons.
Lines of peas and plates.
Growing and chopping,
digging and boiling,
through the seasons,
round the clock,
with the timeless comfort of satisfying work
soiled fingers
passed vegetables
to reddened palms
to transform
their earthy shapes
to the plate,
to be enjoyed
around the shared comfort
of the dining room table.