1961

with each

cupcake she baked and iced

and set out

to cool on large

plates,

she felt that her job was done

as a mother,

as a wife

as a woman

of a certain age

with college behind her.

this small task showed

some sort

of love,

some idea of what

happiness looked like,

but the cheerful wave

from the door

as the world went on

without her,

would soon unravel,

and all would be undone.