SHREWSBURY, MISSOURI

THE KITCHEN

Tucked in a corner of Shrewsbury
At St. Michael's Lane and Lansdowne
Every home had a mother and kitchen
Where good smells did abound.


When called in for our suppers
Our mothers knew where we'd been
They could detect the neighbors kitchens
Emanating from our skin.

We never, ever fooled them
As they were rolling up their sleeves
"So, you were playing with the Tabash kids."
Sniffing lamb wrapped in grape leaves.

Each family had a special scent
Behind their kitchen door
Where bodies, minds and souls were first
Not the latest home decor.