come again

just when I’m done in 

Boss the moment my eyes

stop searching the edge of day

and I sink to the kitchen stool

with too many potatoes to peel

for a soup started too late

a knock that never comes

on my door just then Boss

when the unwashed dishes glare

at me the unfinished chores

and I am alone another night

you show up Boss you bubble

in the pot you fill the room

with garlic you blow

through the window crack

and make the candle shadows

shudder and rustle the letter

to the floor and I read your name

again between the lines

as I pick it up and put it back

on the table next to the flame

and you remind me you are

a come-again go-again Boss

with soft arms gentle hands

and a funny bone just like you

Boss to drop by ignoring 

the door and my tired eyeballs

you rascal Boss you never stay put

you pull me out of my chair

and make me dance again

you two-step clogging Boss

and then you’re off gallivanting

somewhere else my back still warm

from your hands my heart still

hot from your squeeze sometimes

I wish you would just sit still