Da Temple Cook                     3/17

Da temple cook iz hidden

behind ringing pots and pans,

steaming rice and scented seaweed,

Herald her silent presence.

 

Da Spirits gather

comforting families here

to eat, talk story, work, laugh

and quietly mourn.

 

She paints aromas, textures,

colors on tongues

 

Waiting to taste

da bitterness of regret

da saltiness of sweat

da sourness of loss

da sweetness of love

 

Her spoon iz her paintbrush,

da bowl of rice

an offering of compassion

 

Da chopstick

da chance to forgive

and love again