(no poetry here)

in the fruit drawer alone 
a rich and repellent affectation
a posture of remorse and rebuttal

and there, on the rear second shelf,
a hastily cellophaned can of chickpeas
squares off against inquiry

the cheese drawer is easy exorcism
every stained and spackled brick or shred
evicted without elegance

amplitudes of resistance
calibers of denial
degrees rise slowly to senescence

this act
          in this kitchen
          in this house
                         in increments

without poetry