Slow down

Macedonian Salad
1 large eggplant, peeled and cubed           2 scallions, thinly sliced
4 TBSP olive oil                                       1/2 green peppr, chopped
2 TBSP red wine vinegar                          1/2 red pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced                               3 campari tomatoes, sliced
2 TBSP freshly chopped basil                   a handful of calamata olives
1 TBSP freshly chopped thyme                 2 TBSP feta cheese
1 TBSP lemon juice

     Roast the cubes of eggplant in a 375 degree oven for 15 minutes.  During the cooking time, whisk together the oil, vinegar, garlic, herbs and lemon juice.  Add the vegetables, olives and feta.  As soon as the eggplant is removed from the oven, mix in a bowl with the other ingredients.  Chill and serve.  Delicious side dish on a warm, spring day!


Hurry

We stop at the dry cleaners and the grocery store and
the gas station and the green market and

Hurry up honey, I say, hurry, as she runs along two or
three steps behind me her blue jacket unzipped and socks rolled down.

Where do I want her to hurry to?  To her grave?  To mine? 
Where one day she might stand all grown?  Today, when all errand are finally done, I say to her,

Honey I'm sorry I keep saying Hurry-
you walk ahead of me.  You be the mother.

And, Hurry up, she says, over her shoulder, looking back at me, laughing. 
Hurry up now darling, she says, hurry, hurry, taking the house keys from my hand. 

                                       - Marie Howe