Heirs and Graces

Poem by Jane Blanchard
Artwork by Clinton Van Inman

At last, both sons agree to bring
     girls home for us to meet:
it’s supper only, but for all
     that counts as quite a feat.
 
One couple shows up right on time.
     Dad offers drinks, while I
continue cooking—chicken, rice,
     beans, nothing new to try.
 
First son begins to quaff a beer;
     his dear sips hers for play;
then second son and hon arrive;
     they opt for Cabernet.
 
Since kitchen opens up to den,
     I can participate
in conversation that occurs
     or doesn’t with each date.
 
One girl is majoring in math
     and seems a sports fanatic;
the other leans toward English, French,
     or something more dramatic.
 
Once food is served and blessed, all talk
     turns merely minimal,
yet manners dare to speak with signs
     a bit subliminal.
 
Dessert then proves a challenge since
     the girls are on a diet;
cheesecake is out for both of them,
     but not for those who try it.
 
The table cleared, I must insist
     that dishes can just wait
while Dad and I still try to woo
     each son’s potential mate.
 
However, there is not much left
     to say or do this eve,
so soon, with thanks, each son departs
     with whom he hopes to cleave. 
​

Jane Blanchard lives and writes in Georgia.  Her poetry has appeared previously in Belle Rêve and recently in Lighten Up Online, Smoky Blue, and U.S.1 Worksheets.  Her chapbook Unloosed is available from White Violet Press of Kelsay Books.

Clinton Van Inman grew up in North Carolina, graduated from San Diego State University in 1977, taught in South Carolina and is currently a high school teacher in Tampa Bay where he lives in Sun City Center, Florida with his wife, Elba.