the big black pan

as

i scrub this black

iron pan

for the ten thousandth 

time

with hot water and soap,

i admire

its resiliency. how

it wears

so well over the years,

making

meals

of eggs and bacon,

steaks

and pancakes,

fish

caught fresh of a line.

it says nothing,

but it's

a wonderful friend

in hard

times.