A Breughel in the West Indies

At the centre and heart
a clay oven
roofed with corrugated
iron.
The woman
in the red dress - and apron
feeds a loaf
in on a long wooden paddle.
More risen loaves
wait on a sturdy
table.

Two boys, bright shirts
squat in the yard,
playing marbles.
Two hens,
proud, combed, red,
peck and scratch.

A man,
blue trousered, white shirt,
laid back hat,
back from work,
chats with woman sitting
on the throne of her door-step.

I love this picture of a warm
and natural life. Even
when it hangs
over
our gas-fired Aga.