IAN BELLARD

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Grand Work

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.