A Mug for Comfort

This sturdy gray mug
stood out:
a motel maid
among fragile fine ladies
in the china shop

a stepchild really
and not blood kin--
for that reason I chose her

She has comforted me
many mornings
when the sun refused to rise

In appreciation
I have put a silver spoon
in her mouth
solid silver circa 1819
from Great-Grandpa's knapsack

Notes

McDaniel, Wilma. (2001) Borrowed Coats. Hanging Loose Press, Brooklyn, New York.
Courtesy University of California, Merced Library. Copyright owned by the Regents of the University of California.