Butter, left wedged in the bell,
or plugs of butter that weigh on
the windpipe, or the indefinite space
of the sinus. Serving-knives,
afterthought with an edge,
saucers, dishes, ringed with peony chains,
and peony blotches below
the eyes of the pig.
Grapes rolling under a watery inch,
and grapes, flattened
beneath the feet of the chairs.
But the chafing dish is ready,
black and bare.
-2003
