Gary Soto(b. 1952)
The Soup
T h e lights off, t h e c l o c k g l o w i n g 2 : 1 0 ,
And Molina is at the table drawing what he thinks is soup
And its carrots rising through a gray broth.
He adds m e a t and p e p p e r s it with p e n c i l markings.
T h e o n i o n h a s g a t h e r e d the p e a s in its smile.
T h e surface is blurred w i t h the c o l d oils s q u e e z e d from a lime.
H e adds h o m i n y and potato that bob
In a current of pork fat, f r o m o n e rim to t h e other,
C r a s h i n g into the celery that has c a n o e d s u c h a long way.
Spoon handle that is a plank an ant climbs.
Saucer that is the slipped disk of a longhorn.
Napkin that is shredded into a cupful of snow.