the queen of gravy

she offers to give
me a recipe
for gravy
as i hang wallpaper
in the dining
room
a day before the holiday.
i can write it down for you
so you'll have
it she says,
already writing on a pad of paper.
i see little turkeys
and pilgrims
at the top of the pad.
real gravy
is the only way
to go, she says, nodding
her head.
stay away from those packaged
gravies.
i mean look at me, do i
know gravy, or do i
know gravy.
she pinches the side
of her stomach
and jiggles her belly.
she winks.
yes indeed she says.
i know gravy.