I forgot the Parmesan

first I painted the sky blue for you then
I tickled your favourite hen until it sang
I brought grape juice my feet still stained from the pressing
I made a summer pudding and placed it on the picnic blanket
by the spaghetti sleek with olive oil and spiked with basil
I brought a photo of your parents waving farewell
and a rolling pin to scare away their ghosts

the band strummed and squeezed a sunset duet
all this while the camping kettle belched steam
I trembled as I led you to the woodland spot
“You forgot the parmesan again” you whined
and all the love in me began to shrivel
and the engagement ring in my back pocket
scorched a circle on my tender skin