When you were a baby,
your mom served you the mashed up mush:
peas, carrots, and pureed prunes. 

When you were a toddler,
you ate snacks, bright and colorful,
with reds, blues and pinks.

When you went to your first day of school,
you toted a tin lunch pail,
with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and two Oreos.

When you were a child on Thanksgiving,
lounging around the table sharing stories,
Grandma prepared turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.

When you suffered your first teenage heartbreak,
you cried to your favorite romantic movies,
while eating ice cream, chips and McDonald’s fries.

When you were in college,
you entertained yourself with cards, studied diligently, and passed your classes.
Ramen, boxed mac and cheese and pizza, your meals.

When you were an adult,
you planned wedding meals, prepared family dinners, and packed school lunches.
The phases repeat with your children.

When you died,
meals offered as comfort,
as the phases progressed without you.