Form and function
There are no fewer than six
peelers in the utensil drawer:
One with a long swivel blade
that extends from the open
steel handle like a paring knife
Four Y-shapes that cradle
swivel blades perpendicular
to their colorful plastic grips
And a stained arrowhead
with a grater in the handgrip,
the only one that actually works.
6 thoughts on "Form and function"
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I love the way this poem makes me think about the multiples of things that linger with us long after we need them. I like the clear descriptions—that made me think of the peelers as sculptural yet semi-dangerous objects. I liked the visit to your utensil drawer…thanks
“sculptural yet semi-dangerous objects” – what a great description!
Drawn so well I can picture each peeler
At least one works!
Ha! You should see our drawers! I tried to give away our extra wine openers and peelers and my husband fished them out of the give-away box. I wondered about the stained arrowhead–is this a brand, or actually an arrowhead? If the latter, I’d love to know more!
It’s a type of vegetable peeler; arrowhead describes the shape. It was the only kind I ever used (or saw in a kitchen) until I was an adult. Evidently they’re now considered antiques. (!) I’m so glad I have one from a grandmother, as I struggle mightily with all the other kinds. Muscle memory, I suppose. Here’s a link with a picture: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1196325528/vintage-s-s-devault-arrowhead-shape