When I was young my parents entertained
their neighbor friends, and then it boggled me
how women kitchen-stuck and clucked, exchanged
three illness stories and a recipe,
while men around the fireplace converged,
discussing politics and business goals.
From that apparent deepness there emerged
unevenness in power and control.

A score of busy years have passed since then
but couples still assemble sharing food,
the ladies in the kitchen yet, the men
around the barbeque, but now the mood
is slightly modified, for women swap
financial plans and selfies while they shop.