In a pan too large
for the burner
in a kitchen without windows
they expanded
giving off an
unwelcome odor
Take away my
aching Yankee head
and heaving stomach,
memories of
last night’s bourbon
Any other morning?
Those grits, perfectly stirred
With the cheese on top?
They still would
have been unwelcome
Some Southern things
I’ll never understand,
like sleeveless flannel,
boiled peanuts,
and the appeal of
the Chihuahua.
- LINDA SANDS