The brothers
swill the farm dirt
from their torsos
at the kitchen sink
and sit at table
watching their sister
lift the heavy silver pot
to pour the tea.

Embroidered hollyhocks and roses frame
the text upon the parlour wall.
`Christ is the Head of this House
The Invisible Guest at every meal.'

Ginny carves the bread against her breast
dealing the slices to her brothers
seeing her father's shadow at their backs
putting her school prize on the fire.

The parlour clock ticks away the unused time.
Hollyhocks smother the window's light
to a green dusk.
Ginny smooths her grey reflection
in the teapot's face
passing her brothers the cake
without a word.

©  Kathleen Jones