eight o’clock
zest and squeeze a lemon
enjoying the fresh scent
in the silent grey morning
three cups crushed strawberries
macerated with two cups sugar
left alone and forgotten
while having tea and toast
on the kitchen counter
old fashioned clock ticking
time to old heartbeat
bring to slow boil
stirring constantly
over medium heat
to keep from sticking
into burning black sugar
at the bottom of the pot
like the scrapings of my heart
watch the berries begin
to bubble from the heat
add the lemon zest and juice
preserving June memories
of deep red summer lips
watch the clock slip ahead
in quarter hour increments
ask yourself is this done?
is this thick enough?
watch the jam stick to spoon
in slow sliding plop
still stirring the pot
don’t let it burn
so close to being done
pour into jars
allow to cool down
to cap and refrigerate
eat at your pleasure alone;
or on scones with clotted cream.
