sausage & peppers

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Perhaps it was hearing the sizzling sound
of sweet sausage on the deli’s grill.
Or the Italian movie I watched last night
about a chef returning to his love of cooking.

Perhaps the memory of my mother serving it on Saturdays
that made me want to make it. So, I slice
Vidalia onions, green and red peppers. Add oregano,
garlic, and red pepper flakes into the pan with olive oil.

I mix the ingredients, savoring the aroma
that fills the kitchen. Only then do I carefully
add the sweet sausage, watch them,
turn them, until they’re browned.

I feel grounded, and content
as I place the food onto a fresh Italian roll.
I plate it with arugula salad, spiced olives,
a cold glass of pinot grigio.

I smile in anticipation of what’s in front of me,
make a bow in gratitude to the boar or sow whose life
was taken for this meal, and chant a prayer of thanks
for the 72 labors that brought me this food.

The first taste is like the sun and earth on my tongue—
A reminder of life’s simple joys
I too often ignore: a celebration of flavors;
memories of home.