Stew Pot Holds Its Heat

The stew pot stays on the back burner long after the flame is lowered. Carrots and potatoes bump against each other in the thick broth. Steam lifts the lid a fraction and lets it drop again with a soft clink. The spoon handle grows warm where it touches the rim. Later the pot is moved to the table and the burner clicks off, yet the handle still holds enough heat to surprise the hand that reaches for it without thinking.