More Than a Mixer

bright sunbeam, rubied

the shade of apples candied

and lips painted red–

a match maker

wedding flour and egg and sugar and butter

and that shot of vanilla

(most always vanilla)

into something wonderful.

they drool in wait 

to lick the beaters 

put-'em-on-the-shelf clean

and beg earnest to 

"leave some batter in the bowl"

and a good mama learns

to give in to that wish

'cause no one's gonna miss that smidgen of cake

but she'll miss out on their delight.

say yes when you can

and save those no's 

only for when they're 

necessary.

Because one day

you'll have all the batter

to yourself.