Sterling
by Linda L. Bielowski

Silver
as polished spoons
put out for company,
pa’s work pail patina glazed
brick dust, baked sun, sweat beads:
shiny union
pin pride.


Full of
four o’clock, work
whistle, home for supper,
turned bad frowns to good smiles with
promises of hugs and
Hershey’s kisses:
sweet peace.


Tin man
of Oz bucket,
with hidden ventricles,
pumped warm butter on thick bread, pot
roast, mincemeat pie, Old Spice:
pure sterling like
pa’s heart.