the widow and her child

the widow
and her child.
who will always be
a child.
prepares
the meal.
stirs the pot.
warms
the oven.
sets the dishes
out.
the ghost
of her husband
is in
the chair
across the dining
room.
you can see
him sitting there,
staring
not at you,
but at a place
we are all going
to be one day.
but for now.
the table is set,
his wife,
the widow,
is spooning food
onto your plate,
she's
pouring wine,
and the child
with her hands
together, ready for
prayer, sits
quietly,
and waits.