Flavor, cookery, and presentation are the vehicles of culture, identity, and creativity. I’m extremely blessed to be loved with enough provision to experience finger-lickin’ meals.

On the grill
coal chars BBQ,
sweet corn, and steak -
sizzling over a flame
brighter than the sun
roasting our skin.
An ice-cold drink
soothes my insides like
bass and drums
heal the soul.


In the kitchen
gandules dance con
sofito y adobo en arroz
to chisme from 
long distance phone calls.
Mis tías y tíos 
weave between languages 
como agua en el río.


Licking my fingers:
a gesture of savor

Jiggle in my step:
a rumble of power

Stretchmarks on my thighs:
a blessing of abundance

Loosening my waistband:
a sign of provision

Process

This poem was inspired by the community practices that happen around food and its impact on me. I grew up listening to my mother speak English and Spanish on the phone while she cooked. The abmbiance played a role in how I precieve connection surrounding