Today's Verse Love Host, Kratijah, hails from in Mauritius, and asks up to consider spices, "small and powerful, that can linger and fill the air of our thoughts." I could write of the fresh olive oil and basil scents of Taormina or the flavors created at the Culinary Institute, both fabulous; instead, this is a scent that lingers forever in the "air of my thoughts" from the tiny apartment where my grandmother spent her final years.
After complaining in the car, plodding, promising to behave or else,
The gated hoist would open slowly, the blistering odor of scorched meat
Would announce your arrival as it invaded your pores,
Salted, basted, browned to her leathery perfection,
Served with slowly simmered, gooey gravy,
Representing her gratitude for you visit,
Before hanging up her apron,
Emerging from the kitchen
Closet, collapsing, exhausted,
A leg-of-love sweltering
On the third floor, lingers
Forever in my soul even if I
Minced microscopic morsels,
Swallowed without chewing.
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