English (1800-1825)
After Samuel Roberts and George Cadman, Sheffield.

It might have been a Vatican chalice,
consecrating vessel for water and wine
at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome,
home to cardinals and popes,
but for that ornate spout jutting out,
an afterthought when you likely changed your mind.

A silver-and-wood-fused voluptuous body,
symmetrical and shimmering,
mounted on a triangular pedestal,
pineapple crowns fit for a king
destined for his buffet table,

but for two question-mark handles
glaring at each other ─
asking, What?
All this for coffee?
Not wine?

Also by Lalita Noronha: The Banyan Tree

3QR Author Bios