The late Verna Lee Hinegardner, former Poet Laureate of Arkansas
DEVILED EGGS FOR THE POTLUCK
(A Monologue)
by Verna Lee Hinegardner
from Mosaic, published 2011
You remember how I always detested Potlucks?
Well, the ladies at church had another Potluck today.
Remember how I never knew what to take? Well,
plain as day, just like you were in the next room,
I heard you say, "When in doubt, take deviled eggs."
I was in doubt. I got out the eggs.
We still have the same Egg-man we had when you lived
next door, you know his spiel: "Extra large fertile brown
eggs delivered to the door a dollar a dozen year 'round."
And, by the way, he has another grandchild, a little girl,
born Christmas day, "Pretty as a picture," he says
But, let me get back to my deviled eggs. Just as
the water began bubbling, I suddenly thought about
one dozen little yellow chicks who would never peck
their way to freedom--never chirp on Easter.
It is I who chipped the shells from white ovals, I who
mashed the yellow yolks, added mayo and relishes,
I who filled waiting whites and sprinkled paprika,
and I who served one dozen little abortions
to unsuspecting Christians.
I needed you, Old Neighbor, so I
could pour my misery in your ears.
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This is Pat: Even if the poem's protagonist was miserable, we are happy to celebrate the risen Christ. Hallelujah!
