Me: Drawing at the table on stacks and stacks of loose-leaf notebook paper Wouldn’t use the back Made a mark Maybe two Got another sheet Mama: Saying stop wasting that paper Aunt Jackie: Telling mama she’s an artist Giving me more Not turquoise, not green, green city apartment paint No chips though lead was there Archway doors and cookies Flying saucer disc chandelier A cord pulling down releasing up Dark ugly area rug Hardwood floors peeking around the edges Black and White TV on a rolling cart TV Guide from the Sunday paper on the bottom shelf News of Viet Nam whatever that was Copper Color salt and pepper shakers Too many napkins folded in a woven holder Real fruit in a bowl Love: In voices In eyes In the air A quiet struggle I wouldn’t know ‘til later.
What You'd Find in a South Side Dining Room Circa 1970
By Nicole Bond