Of Evolution and Banana Bread

Sometimes you have to slice banana bread
As thin as molecules allow, and spread
The butter with your favorite silver knife--
(The one that Granddad gave his second wife).
Sometimes you have to section grapefruit as if
Survival of the species, if man should live
Or nature's chaos reign, was measured by
The way you used the tool to glorify.
The milk before the tea, a total fool
Knows that, but don't you see?: the protocol
Is not an artifact, not here at least;
Without this art to practice, we are but beasts.
I pour your tea and though I say it's love,
It's natural selection I'm thinking of.

© Douglas Allchin 22 June 1990