Drop that napkin, let’s let the melting cheese
be a call to arms, the tomato bread bowls
brimming with promise of more bread under-

neath the soup, and your arms Emily, tender
with speed as you desperately try not to spill
your favorite meal on the baby’s developing

bald spot. I will ignore the older child, the girl,
if you can reach across the table, if you can wipe
the red promises from my cheek, as astray

with my intentions, I have made a mess with
the tools you have given me to work with tonight.

Darren C. Demaree is living in Columbus, Ohio with his wife and children. He is the author of As We Refer to Our Bodies (2013) and Not For Art Nor Prayer (2014), both are forthcoming from 8th House Publishing. He is the recipient of two Pushcart Prize nominations and a Best of the Net Nomination.