RIFKAH GOLDBERG

HAPPY NON-FAMILY We each bring two children Could she become the daughter I never had? Would I fulfill your dreams with my religious sons? Can two middle-aged mortals make a happy family? Although I cook all manner of foods So far I have failed to come up With a suitable recipe for this occasion Either overdone, underdone or poorly spiced Apparently come together for no reason A confusion of directions and approaches Awkwardly search for talk to cross the table Like auditioning actors for undefined roles As lights shine bright and candles flicker Soup steams in glistening tureen Elegantly set table comes aglow I settle for a happy non-family June 2001