To The Leftovers

To the Leftovers

Pickled red onion
tucked behind what’s 
left of orzo salad
Thai Basil, a future
fuzzy tangle plastic-
wrapped and rolled,
and yet, a ballad
to be sung for the 
miscellany of 
humble carrot sticks 

celery, cruciferous
galore in the stir-fry
we’re sure to make
too much of in
the story of we two  
again after company
departs. There’s
butter lettuce,
fontina, a thimble-
full of curried greens,

pea eggplant,
sticky rice, a half-eaten
slice of cake, 
more
penne with shrimp
than we’ll ever touch,
scant bottles
Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay,
A Pino Noir, evidence
of something a bit
out- of- the- ordinary 
having gone down

many-handed preparations,
managed within one 
small fridge ,
our battle with waste
undefeated
our tummies full
our empty plates
still, more scrappy meals to 
revise, reheat, release
with laughter, with awe,
bounteous gratitude,
a side of slaw