Putting things in jars
has long been a family practice
preserving the deliciousness of the season
by shelving the bounty of fall

The way the skin slips from the naked peach
is a seductive notion and cathartic connection
passed from one hand to another
packed tight in the kitchen
sticky with syrup

Heat and pressure mount a whistled release
for both windfall and sun kissed faces
Tomatoes, peaches, beans, and corn
offer rainbow promises from the storm
Even that one Columbus Day

But September 2020 we are shelving Manna
and sorting string beans for perfect presentation
and this ******, industrial chic, "man-canning"
looks back at me through the glass
and I am longing for something messy