My heart lifts when the fridge door opens on
these bowls of leftovers. They’re the reward
for careful planning so, when guests are gone,
I can enjoy, refreshed, the squirrelled hoard
of titbits far above the common round,
stuff only bought for guests, not everyday
(the supermarket Basic range, or found
Reduced for Quick Sale.) Ah, the sweet bouquet
of Brie de Meaux, Serrano, the last slice
of Santiago tart, the wine, of course.
I savour every delicacy twice
and last night’s conversations are the source –
a homemade kitchen supper, how it blends
companionship, the best of times with friends.