(spices)

Placing spices
in the pot
for my kitchari
is an “all but
unendurable
ecstasy -”
I clasp the stainless
vessel where the
spices are clustered
in their separate
dishes,
this little family,
community of
spices
waiting
to bring my
food
to life.
To sing
an ancient
song my cells
know so well,
they weep remem-
bering,
seeing the loved
one return.
I clasp the stainless
vessel where
the spices live,
& speak a blessing
over them
before scooping
them up
with my spoon –
I give the love
back to them
that they are
giving me.

12/1/99