Pièce de Résistance

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Jane Blanchard

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I wondered if this gathering
Would prove a bit too challenging,
But so far it is going fine—
Or well enough—for me and mine.
Once soft or stiffer drinks are gone,
The potluck supper can move on.
Our host serves seasoned roasted lamb;
Our hostess offers glazed baked ham.
The slightly stressful atmosphere
Derives from further options here.
Each invitee hopes his/her best
Will measure up to all the rest.
One person watches others dole
Out portions of squash casserole.
A second sees potatoes please
Those comfortable with calories.
A third is sure mixed salad will
Provide a lighter fill, but still. . . .
A fourth pays keen attention to
The bowl of green beans in the queue.
A fifth tracks slices of yeast bread,
A sixth the biscuits just ahead.
So funny that these folks compete
Before they even find a seat.
Yet when they do, they eye how much
Is soon consumed of such and such,
Then notice who gets up for more—
As if the household gods kept score.
Woe be to any guest whose dish
Appears or tastes less than delish.
The thought of taking lots back home
Is loathsome to a gastronome.
Time for dessert looms in the room:
I made Kahlúa cheesecake—boom!

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Jane Blanchard of Augusta, Georgia, has recent work in The French Literary Review, The Main Street Rag, and The Wallace Stevens Journal. Her latest collection is Metes and Bounds (Kelsay Books, 2023).

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