Cookbook care

My fingers trace your handwritten words

a list of things to do

a note about measurements

a confirmation of what tin to use

memories are invoked through this tracing 

I handle the cookbook with care

because of the yellowing pages

and crumbling sheets of old newspapers

falling out, each time I pick it up

I browse the recipes, a casual tread through timelines

the family feasts and cooking days

- celebration specials

- Uncle Brian's cake 

- Uncle Peter's favourite slice 

- my after school snack

- Sunday deserts

I'm not sure now, whether there was enjoyment in the making

Or the consuming

Or the sharing

Or the pride of achievement

Or the fruits of the garden

Maybe all of those things. 

Notes: part of a series based on my mother's cookbook.