Patricia Deaton's "First Things, First" after hannah grace

Art of Poetry Catawba Valley's Patricia Deaton emulates the painting by hannah grace that inspired her poem. Poets toured Alexander County Library's FOUND - Art of Community exhibit on Saturday, July 13, 2019. Curated by library board trustee chair, Miranda Burgin, the collection was procured from local and regional artists, photographers. The artworks and poetry will be on display until August 2.

FIRST THINGS, FIRST

by Patricia Deaton

after Not Your Babe by hannah grace

With a flash, that day comes back.

Eyelids lifted gently, one at a time 

by one small finger; a small face, close. 

Light seeps in-through a window 

full of sky so blue, you worry;

not about things that might happen, 

but things that might not.

Her first April Fools, brown eyes wide,

there is salt in the sugar bowl.

Spit-cereal with the first spoonful

then laughter fits; wonder at the kind of mind

that even came up with this. 

We ate sliced-off ends of the pan blanco,

bread carefully-made, though overworked 

the night before; her abuela’s recipe 

from a country where a little means a lot.

At the top of the school steps

butchered bread held upright, resolve slipping,

plastic wrap unfurls itself from the loaf

and flutters like the flag of a fallen land.

What valor to stand that first day

and wave the loaf, then hand it

to someone who swings open a door.