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.