three eggs in a pan

i crack three

brown eggs into the black

pan

of melted butter

and stir.

turning the heat down.

i've done this before.

so many times

i've stood here in this

kitchen,

at this stove,

with this pan,

cracking eggs. usually

just three,

rarely more.

outside the window

the seasons

have changed.

years have rolled by.

children have grown.

i reach up for the salt

and pepper shakers

in the cupboard.