"Sterling Silver"

Part of a set brought out for special occasions          

showing guests wholeness and belonging—       

            matching, complementary, complete      

            “All for one, and one for all!”      

The family motto reiterated in ritualistic chant      

Part of a set displayed on holidays       

buffed with care into sparkle and gleam           

            hiding flaws and secrets      

            under layers of protective polish         

Impressing outsiders and onlookers      

Part of a set exhibited for ceremony     

identical in rigid expectations     

            proof of continuity and unity         

            loaded with traditional roles            

Indistinguishable utensils of the matriarch         

Copyright 2011 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman