A Measure

When there had to be a gift
through rubble to tell the children
not to continue on that killer path
and there was a little kindness
it was a little chocolate

And that kiss that might last for now
but is not quite in the blessed ether
and not quite forever as it shines through
the silver and a twisted wrap
that could be a little chocolate

My mother kept the powder
in a Dutch Girl box for cold nights
in the Bronx and she would cook
up the Droste's and stir in whole milk
while we waited for a little chocolate

Now, when I see the folks lined up
for Heavenly Hash or Chocolate Madness
I wonder about the great King Montezuma
whose people brewed for him and celebrated
the magic that comes from a little chocolate