She dries her hands
On the faded blue apron
Before sorting through
The afternoon mail.
She is unfazed by the various
Timers,
Neighbors,
Children,
And pets
Who attempt to disrupt
Her patient meal preparation.
She simply steps back and forth
Gracefully gliding from sink to stove.
Her duty lies here
Until the bread has risen
And each corner of the last plate
Dried.

Ally Johnson
Second Place 11th and 12th grades
LA Writes! 2008
University Lab School
Baton Rouge, LA