Whatever

The deep sigh 
overwhelms the kitchen 
like a detonated bomb
progressing into a huff 
that demands attention

I slide my eyes sideways to see
what aggrieves her this time

You’re using my burner! 
She scoffs

I glimpse the disputed induction 
ring near my gathered ingredients 
and with feigned composure
drawn from a dwindling reserve 
I share my rationale:

You’ll notice that I had
my mise en place prepared 
next to the front left
to give you extra space 
and more heating power
on the right of the stove
I reply.

She doubles down
in lieu of logic
I need that one! 

So, there are four others
to choose from
I gave you space to pick—

Ugh WHATEVER! 
She turns and leaves

In her wake
a forlorn a Pyrex cup 
of broken eggs
and a clattered fork 
on the bench.

In the uneasy silence 
I return my presence to
this morning moment
my last chance
at peace 
before a hectic day

I heat a one quart pan
pour in A-2 milk from US farms
sprinkle in rolled quinoa from Bolivia
and pink Himalayan salt 
and a palmful of golden 
California raisins 
(no thick-rimmed shades detected) 
then close my eyes

Deep breath in
1 2 3 4 5 6
Hold
1 2 3 4 5 6
Exhale
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8.

My porridge comes to a boil
I scoop hot lava into a shallow bowl
Scatter the top 
with plump chunks of translucent 
Naval orange from Florida
and flakey sea salt from Maldon
and pats of butter from Ireland
to balance the glycemic load
and let's be honest
to make this pale gruel tasty.

Burner’s ready, love! Pick your favorite!
I call up to her.

WHATEVER!! 
She shouts back.

With pressed lips
I sit and inhale the fragrance 
of saline and citrus 
revived grapes and molten fat

The first spoonful warms 
my quiet throat like a hug

The squish and pop 
of juice vesicles explode 
like miniature fireworks
bringing cheer and
the winter sun 
creeps up my shoulder

Our home thrums with 
heat pump ambient rhythm

I could be disgruntled 
with my child from Maryland
But the mother duck in me
engages my waterproof feathers
to repel teen zings
down and off my frame
like drops of chilly water

Because 
in this micro melee
I too choose
Whatever.