We were in your mother’s kitchen

A family get together in Madrid, and my wife had an important announcement to make.

We were in your mother’s kitchen,

The noise of the TV distracting

From the sentence you wished to say,

When you said we’d thrown ours away,

And she amazed asked, how do you pass your time?

Your look telling me not to talk about our books –

She’s never been a reader, not even “¡Hola!” –  

Directed me to the paella pan instead,

Where we discussed the shrimp and the octopii,

The nuanced taste a subtle bite of orange brings.

A pinch of saffron, thyme and fresh black pepper

Added, she turned, said “Now it is complete,”

And as she served she looked across at you –

Behind us Julio crooning Begin the Beguine –

“Amore, I can’t wait to be a grandmother.”