Alchemy

I watch over her as she mixes
secret herbs in pestle and mortar
silence important and a clear table
no distractions as she whispers
the words handed down

they try to spy
creep like church mice
seeking ancient riches
for what she makes
is more than gold

we are sure grandmother
watches every move
for the cat who sits on guard
is descendant of grandmother’s
familiar companion

bowl cradled in her hands
from attempts to break the spell
and twin approaches fail
we have all angles covered
and our looks can kill