Cinquain: Crucifixion

Jesus:
ivory oil
on canvas in the Met,
frozen in bloodless limbo by
Dali

Chores

What was it you said? Something
about the kids, I think –
anyway, sorry.
I’ve got to put down
this tile today:
earth-toned, rough,
unglazed, matching
the kitchen walls.
That was what you wanted,
wasn't it? Anyway . . .

The most important part
is not how smooth the surface is,
not the caulk.
The most important thing is the spacing.
You have to make sure to
leave just the right gap between tiles –
almost close enough to touch,
but not touching.

If they touch, the tiles
will settle over years,
will drift askew,
disorderly, beyond repair.
Too far apart, and the cement
underneath will be exposed, ugly.
It will grow brittle.

I learned this from my father.
He showed me,
once and once only.
His kitchen floor held together
for forty years, is holding still,
only a few tiles cracked
at the corners, only slightly
out of order, imperfect but close.

Now I’ve got to get working
on this tile. Today.

What was it you said?