Georgia Cabrera-Gutierrez Salt of the Earth

A lady went to market with her

wicker basket, wearing thick woollen

socks and sturdy leather workboots

with a baby strapped across her breasts.

A lady went to market and bought her

meat from the local landkeeper

bought dirty vegetables that looked

like they’d just been pulled from the ground.

A lady went to market to spend

her inheritance on food

for her family; handmade pottery

in earthen colours, heavy and rough.

A lady went to market bought beeswax candles

in yellows and browns, rolled tight,

bought handmade soap, with rose petals

and lavender in twine.

And the grandmothers looked down,

wanting only for life to be pleasant,

decried in befuddled expression

Oh why must she behave like a peasant!