Remodeling My Parents' Kitchen

If I were you, I'd change the paint 

to buttercream, sweet potato,

lemon, lemongrass, sugared violet, 

and the kind of turquoise that looks edible.

As for the flaw in the gleaming granite

of your counter top, your milky spill

that can't be mopped: frame it

with cinnamon sticks and marmalade.

Then hang the place with chili ristras

and garlands of bay and laurel 

woven through

with so many twinkling lights

that neighbors, peeping in through windows

you have scattered everywhere,

find their kindled envy ecstasy.

That's my advice.  But I'm just a loud voice

in your empty house, the prodigal daughter

afraid she's only dreaming you awake.