Ted Kooser is one of my all time favorite poets. His poems capture everyday life and remind us of what's really important. This poem arrived in my email earlier this week, and I thought you might enjoy it as much as I did. It comes from his Valentines collection.
Splitting an Order
Ted Kooser
I like to watch an old man cutting a sandwich in half,
maybe an ordinary cold roast beef on whole wheat bread,
no pickles or onion, keeping his shaky hands steady
by placing his forearms firm on the edge of the table
and using both hands, the left to hold the sandwich in place,
and the right to cut it surely, corner to corner,
Read the rest of the poem here.
He is sooooo good!
ReplyDeleteThis one is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for posting it.
ReplyDeleteLove this one. Kooser is brilliant.
ReplyDeleteDiane, Gavin, Kelly, thanks for stopping by. This Ted Kooser poem is one of my favorites. : )
ReplyDeleteThat is so tender and beautiful. I never got Valentines. Must put it on my birthday list. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted one of those romantic guys who sends Valentines. I bet the guy in this poem always sent his wife Valentines.
ReplyDeleteI don't have Ted Kooser's Valentine collection, but it's on my wish list. I've read several poems from the collection and loved them.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteMy guy isn't romantic in the typical way. He's not big on valentines and flowers, etc. When he wants to show me how much he cares, he'll cook me some of my favorite foods--and all from scratch: pizza, eggplant lasagna, his fabulous Italian pot roast... YUM!!!
I do like Ted Kooser's poetry. There's an elegant simplicity to so much of what he writes. I'll have to get a copy of his Valentine collection.
Elaine,
ReplyDeleteI think guys have a different view of what is romantic than we do. My guy will checks my tires and oil to be sure my car is running the way it should. I guess that's his way of showing he cares, but an occasional card or flowers would be so nice. : )