Long ago and far away, I used to listen to the music and storytelling of Utah Phillips (1935-2008). I’ve seen him in person, both in live performances and around town in Nevada City, California, where I used to live and he spent the last 21 years of his life.

He sang stories about hobos who rode the rails and looked for a friendly house to request a “square”. I once sent a note backstage that he could come to our house for a bed and a square anytime.

Fanciful versions say that the slang “square” or “square meal” came from sailors who ate from square wooden plates. But others say it’s an American phrase, first used to describe anything that is fair, honest, honorable or straightforward: a square deal for example. Or a square meal- a substantial, balanced plate of food.

My day is filled with square meals and snacks, eaten in circles- around the clock, around the food groups, around the plates and glasses, and sometimes literally round- grapefruit and numerous cups of Earl Grey Hot with milk come to mind. Is it lunchtime yet?

March 5: “Square” Meals Are Not Always Square