she hates it when i say
“we could make that at home”

she hates it even more
when she knows that it’s true

for someone who usually likes
doing things according to the book
i don’t think i’ve once followed
a recipe exactly as it’s written

always an ingredient removed
or replaced or ofttimes added
and everything eyeballed or
measured in the palm of my hand

i could say it’s because i’m trying
to make the dishes my own
but really, i just get a little
tired of all the washing up