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The Kettle, Before It Decides
Mara OkonkwoI put it on and stood there,which is more patiencethan I give most things.
No sound yet. No white rope of steam.Just the coil going orange underneath,taking its one degree at a time,same as anything that finally gives in.
The handle warmed before the water did.That seems backwardsuntil you think about it.
I did not pray.I did not think about my mother.I watched a pot of waterdecide to boil, and let it.