After long illness

Christian Century, Feb 22, 2005 by Nola Garrett

After long illness

   God never makes anything without a remedy.
   T. H. White

   Sprinkle me with rose water, saffron and powdered cloves.

   I crave Basilisk baked in hummingbird milk, haunch
   of unicorn--O, Lord, set before me full platters.

   I celebrate star fruit, brie, angel hair pasta,
   artichokes, tilapia, wine,
      drizzled truffle oil,
   and parsley both curly and flat.

   Bard pheasant breasts, crush garlic, whip cream,
   and let me lick the bowl and the beaters.

   Deep fry onion rings. Stew the okra
   and the collard greens. Fill me with popcorn, doughnuts
   and fried egg sandwiches.
      Hold the ketchup--
   I am not completely shameless.

   I praise even the coarsest of salt
   crusted upon sliced limes,

   for it is good to hunger and thirst.