Wednesday, March 2, 2016

2: It's just like...

He concentrates on using a wide, black spatula to 
press down the hash browns 
sizzling inside the electric skillet
while I whisk the eggs 
dancing around inside the large measuring cup
I add the shredded cheddar, 
salt and pepper
while he flips, presses again, and 
remembers

You know why I like to eat at Steak & Shake so much?

I look up, wondering*
*We do all love a crispy-edged cheeseburger...

I can go there anytime
and it is just like
1980
and I’m walking in
with Joe
my grandpa
for a date
He used to take me 
on dates
Just us 
I loved that
before his heart gave out
and mine broke

I like 
my burgers
liberally salted and 
tossed into a screaming
hot electric skillet
to brown on one side
and then the other
before the snug blanket of
Velveeta melts atop
I can make them anytime
and it is just like
1986
and I see Lorraine
my grandma
wearing her apron
in the avocado kitchen
on West Dearborn Street
frying cheeseburgers
for us
I loved that
before she became widowed and moved
into an apartment
and I moved away from home
into an apartment
in the city

She would've loved the
last burgers we made...

We should go 
to Steak & Shake
soon...

Write on,
b

3 comments:

  1. Cooking together, memories are conjured with the movements, smells, tools, whatever. Memories make the food taste better than any seasoning. These memories are so crystal clear, precious.

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  2. Thank you for sharing your memories! Made me think of my grandma and cooking with her! I felt like I was there and now may want a Steak and Shake burger!

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  3. My senses are wide awake an I am thinking of the way MY mother used to cook hamburgers. I am tasting that crispy edge and seeing that avocado kitchen. So poignant: "before his heart gave out
    and mine broke." Thank you for your beautiful words!

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Hi! I'd love to hear what you are thinking right now, so please take a sec and drop me a line. I'm so glad you stopped by today -- thanks a billion. :)