Going Even Farther Back

(for Erika Peterson and Green Circle Farms)

it is a whole different story talking to a kid

about finishing their (perfectly prepared) serving of food.

it makes a huge difference being

able to say rubbish like

"you chased that damn chicken up and down the hill

and through the creek. Now that it is on your plate, you have to think

about your honor. That fun time gave its life to make you strong and healthy.

you really want to throw it away?"

when I was his age, I was surreptitiously scraping my plate

into an envelope addressed to Starving Kids - Africa or India.

and peaceful about that.

let the postal workers not shun me...

I was only seven,

grapes were devil food back then. solidarity