For a freezer-refrigerator, the longest heatwave of the Summer ended
With a post-Labor Day defrost--once the feels-like temperature dissipated
In the open-windowed home.

Humidity condensation ice crystals caked the back wall of the freezer;
A lightbulb glow detailed the crevices that formed, the peaks surrounding
The centered fan vent.

Within the refrigerator, sweat beads collect on glass jars, (wax-coated)
Cartons, plastic containers, and aluminum cans; a faint breeze (motor
Whir) does nothing to chill the air.

Items not soured or spoiled were placed into an adjacent cupboard:
Apples, bananas, bread, English muffins, eggs, peanut butter, grape
Jelly, pickle chips, relish, ketchup, mustard, chili oil crisps, and
Grated Parmesan.

Placed into a soft insulated cooler with reusable ice packs were peas,
Corn, sliced strawberries, blueberries, broccoli soup, tomato sauce,
Butter, turkey hot dogs, breakfast sausage, sweet sausage, chicken
Thighs, and Angus ribeye.

The freezer door was propped open--the refrigerator, similarly; the
Thermostat lever was slid to the "off" setting.

The next morning, the upper compartment was toweled dry; the lower
Required sponges to absorb the pooled water--the excess, into a bucket;
After the surfaces were wiped clean, the lever was positioned at the
Middle mark; the doors were closed; half a day empty, the combo
Appliance shelves were restocked.

The items stored in the cooler were nearly thawed; fearing that the Angus
Was beginning to go bad, the ribeye was sliced crosswise allowing wide
Pieces to freeze more quickly; a sizable portion was put aside, cooked
And consumed.

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Razzing the Beef

Flash-frozen Jersey Spinach (sautéed)
Sunflower Oil

Red Raspberries (reduced)
-- Sunflower Oil
Sour Cream (spoon-blended)

Angus Ribeye Beef (sliced, seared)
-- Sunflower Oil
Focaccia (halved, toasted)