Joshua Primmer’s “Place Setting II”
It doesn’t matter
that the concrete of this setting
is less than elegant,
neither marble nor oak.
In Emily Post’s eyes, such form
is near perfection:
“the utensils are placed in the order of use;
Forks go to the left of the plate
knives and spoons to the right.
Finally, only set the table with utensils
you will use.
No soup: no soup spoon.”
We are part caveman, part modern,
though the differences are shrinking
and atavism more prominent
every day.
One thing’s set in stone: We Eat.