The murmur of friendly chatter

The thuds and rattles
of heavy mugs and wayward knives on tables

The sizzle and smell of bacon

The intrusive noise of the coffee machine
ensuring everyone knows it's working hard
even if no-one else is

The dodgy teapot lids
sliding about
threatening to spill and scold

The ketchup and salad cream stand
upside down, on duty and ready to serve

Salt and smears of an earlier meal or two
to beckon the errant elbow

A busy kitchen
Grateful guests moving at their own pace
arriving hungry, leaving content

Shame all this can't be bottled
to smile and sniff at on dark Covid days