Fourth Place: (waiting on title) by Lissa Pompos

First, I wander the aisles of the grocery store

my cart rattling, the front wheel stubborn

Gently squeeze avocados, check for firmness

Choose a bunch of bananas in the perfect shade of greenish yellow

Load the cart with your favorites: cucumbers, hummus, grainy mustard

Next, I arrange the treasures on our countertop, stock the pantry and fridge

Then I get to work— chopping, roasting, plating

I lay my labors before you: stuffed peppers, black bean tacos, peanut noodles

We sit and share our days like a cloth napkin passed back and forth, back and forth

Your eyes whisper “thank you.” In reply, I squeeze your hand

We’ll repeat this routine for the rest of our lives

Each day, a declaration of love: “Dinner’s ready.”