Patience Is A Virtue (that I Don't Have)

• Zara Smith, Grade 12
• Poetry
• 2019

I was told once that I was gifted with patience
I’ve been told much more often that I have no such ability
She isn’t wrong; I endeavour to refine my people-pleasing skills
But monotonous waiting for objects deeply irritates me
Often pancakes and pikelets are crispier for my cooking
The poor freezing car engine is roared to life on many a morn
Fingertips fiddle and tap spitefully at computer updates
The clocks in classrooms slow supremely
Gingerbread is an art form and a meditation combined
The soft swirls of melted butter in rich dark spices
The satisfying thickening after a dusting of bicarb soda
The perfection of cutting gingerbread without stick or crumble
It’s a wonder I can make such things
(Not that there hasn’t been a fair share of charcoal)
But that at the end of it all, the two days of baking
The perfect golden biscuit can survive my impatience