Tuesday, March 21, 2023

"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

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