in times of trouble

in times of trouble
I need beef stew. I need
the house to fill
up with the scent of onions
and carrots,
meat
braised and slow cooked
in the broth
my mother taught me.
I need to see the potatoes
and carrots boil,
the sprinkling
of pepper and salt,
the celery
and bay leaves.
the cup of wine poured
in like
the blood of me.
rich and red.
in times of trouble I can
wait for the stew
to be ready.
I am patient on days like
this.
in no hurry for anything,
or anyone.
just waiting
on a meal to soothe me,
to fill the void
of cold
and warm my soul.