They march in like the infantry-
Mrs. Alexander and her women of Circle 9.
Blue bib aprons tied in double bows,
they take position in the
industrial-grey church kitchen.
No time for chatter.
Carrots must be sliced, cheese cubed;
pickle spears placed upon lettuce-laced trays
as only they can do.
Steely-haired all, they know where to find
every paring knife and chopping block . . . .
Men out! And to the novices
with offerings of help: No, thank you.
This is the Lord’s work and theirs-
serving others
who would be lost, utterly,
amid these crowd-feeding
pots and percolators. Too busy, too tired, themselves, to eat,
they stand behind their food-
with hot tongs and slotted spoons,
dishing up yams and green beans
and Captivating Chicken Casserole.
Mrs. Alexander keeps a sharp
eye on the rolls. Stomachs full, we applaud these women
whose lipstick stays put
while their feet swell in navy kid pumps,
whose silken sleeves are spattered
with grease.
We give thanks to those
who know who they are
Dear Reader,
Can I be direct with you?
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