CONTENTMENT IN THE KITCHEN

Schrip, Schrip, Schrip
Tearing the lettuce to shreds.
Trimming the bad leaves, saving the good,
Sharing the fates of thousands of heads.

Sizzling and sputtering
The frying pan spatters
As the sausage and beef is browned.

The mushrooms soften but hardly sputter
As they're gently sauteed
In the golden brown butter.

Spices and herbs line the counter.
Green and yellow, brown and beige
A hint of garlic, a taste of sage.

She takes a loaf and makes six slices
With patties of butter in between,
Sprinkles each with some magic powder
And into the oven it goes.

A white cotton dress and a comfy brown sweater,
A sprig of hair in her eyes,
I watch as she toils in the kitchen
Creating a pleasant surprise.

I'm used to cooking, but not being cooked for
And I savor this experience tonight.
The spaghetti is boiling and as dinner approaches
The Chianti increases my appetite.

Salad, spaghetti
Bread and wine,
A pleasant companion
And suddenly life's fine.
****