Good Neighbor

Linda passed a spiced two tier
Over the chain link
I wasn't there, but imagined
C making small talk while
Emptying
The rat traps and
Sprinkling more poison
Charismatically
Reaching out as if
Guiding her down
An abrupt step

"Tomato sauce," she explained
The next day.
"My mother used to make it.
But you'll never make it
Like your mother.
No matter
How hard
You try."