Melting Butter

launched from knife’s edge

a petite pat of butter arcs gracefully

through the air, landing firmly on edge

in the bottom of the sauté pan.

seemingly defying gravity, she holds

position, one corner pointing

skyward as if held in position by

an unseen partner on an ice rink,

only releasing in the warm applause

of an appreciative audience. 

Spent, she submits to gravity,

all edges find the bottom of the

pan now as the heat penetrates

from below, burners set to high,

the cook waits patiently for the

butter to melt before stirring in

minced onions, cranberries and

red wine, admiring the beauty

of butter spreading across the

bottom of the pan.