She eats second

The table is lively, loud when the men sit.
Steel plates bloom with heat,
Steam rises like conversation.

She ushers them, says, sit, eat,
Handing out cutlery and smiles.
The rice is still cooking,
For the sake of being served fresh.

A man in the kitchen-
Rolling his sleeves,
Stirring once.
Everyone smiles.
Such a loving husband.
A favour, but never a responsibility,
Briefly performed,
Then generously announced.

They call out over the laughter,
The conversations she isn't a part of,
To appreciate her food
Say they'll miss the cooking
But never her.

She
She eats second.
After the noise thins,
After plates are rinsed,
After she nods with a smile when asked
I hope there’s enough?
After enough has already been given away.

Food is colder then.
The table quieter.

This is not sacrifice-
It is routine.

Only the lesson,
Served daily:
That care must finish last,
And still be grateful.