Stains on the Stovetop

photo courtesy of Freepik

— party for ten tonight —
planning, prepping, presentation.
chopping, peeling, slicing, salting.
tomatoes, eggplant, garlic, onions.
marinara bubbling all day.
Flowers or wine brought
conversation captivating
laughter luscious
music meaningful
nods noticed
souls seen.
Messy plates, wadded napkins,
lip-smudged glasses, empty wine bottles —
left on the table.
Pots, pans, juicy bits, and
stains on the stovetop —
— Bodies. Minds. Hearts. Full. —