Instead.

Reynolds, Dusk, the Outbuildings, 1957

NOVEMBER, LATE in the DAY

So this is aging: the bare sun, skinned,

palely bucking the dark wind,

slides through the glass, crawls on the carpet,

climbs the footboard, lies crosswise on the blanket,

a spoiled dog waiting to be fed.

Not now, dear warmth. The kindling’s in the shed,

too far to fetch. Those two great logs that close

together to make fire, repose

apart, an old couple reminiscing

on conflagrations they’re now missing:

how every sunny Saturday afternoon,

Hey, diddle-diddle, the dish ran away with the spoon.

Not yet, dear spoon. Some hotter day, dear dish.

No tidbits now. Instead, let’s make a wish,

and boil fresh water for the small teapot

to keep it piping hot.

John M. Ridland