
My Mother’s Advice
Always roast a chicken on Sundays
It will keep through the week.
I know how to roast a chicken
with rosemary and butter under the skin,
curry chicken is better. You always used too
much paprika, leftover poultry frozen in
day-glow Tupperware.
A houndstooth suit is perfect in all occasions
and better with a strand of long pearls.
Not really but I have one just in case.
The jacket looks better with jeans
or linen pants.
Probably looks best in the closet.
Every woman should own a red lipstick
Revlon’s Cherries in the Snow works for everyone.
Red lipstick is full of confidence
when I have none, a hard-bit mouth disguises
all emotions.
I learned that from you.
If I lived I would be the same age as the Queen
“Rule Britannia” is the best song I sing.
Do you remember?
I remember—I can sing “Rule Britannia” a
high C—like you, make the cat’s ear twitch.
I miss you. I need you.
Remember people need you
You don’t need them.
I need people. I need you.
You never told me you loved me
never made me fresh chocolate chip cookies
like a real American Mom.
I didn’t need to hear it.
I knew.
When you are in trouble call me.
I can get there faster than before.
I can do more than before.
Tell that to my Boy
my grandson.
I make him fresh chocolate chip cookies
like a real American Mom.
I know.
He knows.