Casting Salt
Like sleet, the salt comes out so fast
that it over runs the teaspoon
and scattered on the floor.
Mother, superstitious as she was,
would remind me to take a pinch
and throw it over my left shoulder.
This to ward off evil spirits
and protect my soul. I wonder
if the cake will fall.
But I leave the salt on the floor
knowing I might spill more
or snow the floor with flour.
I put the cake in the oven,
check back in an hour
for any effects of my sloppy work.
But no harm done, the cake rose
in the pan and is golden brown
on top just like the recipe said.
I sweep up the mess I made.
Selcouth South 2019
