HOW TO GET THROUGH THE DAY

Don't have a photo for this one, because I'm not at home, but here's another recipe/poem from a few years back:

HOW TO GET THROUGH THE DAY
WHEN YOU'RE TIRED OF LISTENING
TO POLITICS, WALL STREET & WAR TALES

First you notice the mellow afternoon,
with the oak glowing bronze
by your front door and one last bee,
drunk on October and fallen apples,
weaving down your window screen.
Then you might try
frying an onion and lots of garlic
in some olive oil.
While this fragrance is luring
all manner of creatures to your door,
you could puree two cans
of Caribbean-style black beans
with one half can of chicken broth,
then throw it all together,
along with the rest of the broth
to heat through. Add a dollop
of sour cream in each bowl and
serve with red wine, some olives,
a green salad with a hint of oil and vinegar,
and a fresh, crusty French baguette
that you must tear apart in the best spirit
of breaking bread--with an old lover,
or a friend who knew you when.
Alone is good too, with Bach
and a book of poetry.
Then indulge, enjoy, surrender
to the bee, the oak, the falling night,
surrender to this prelude of smoky light,
golden against evening shadows.

- mimi

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JACK AND HENRY!