Author Archives: Puff Of Smoke Poems

Today is for being
in love with Indian Summer
Intoxicating warmth
like a handsome drifter
who will not stay

I’m sorry but
we only eat
what is
fully coated
in butter,
vodka,
salt,
or chocolate
though we do
make occasional
exception
for meals
covered with
melted cheese

All others
need not apply

Please don’t believe
anyone who pretends
to Know
how it’s done.

Leaves litter the porch—
Indian summer’s reminder
sends shivers through the
chrysanthemums

worries
wrinkle the air
thicker on the ground
than the red leaves
and still falling

putting on mascara
in the hurried
morning mirror

through the open window
roar of a motorcycle
putting on speed

both of us
preparing
to race up the hill

don’t replace the broken-handled
colander. Just so, shake out
the last frozen mukimame
hidden in the corner of the bag.
Let every thing be of use
not tossed aside the hidden one
grew as greenly as all others
tucked into its edamame
shell of itself

a cart full of home, ingredients
for soups and stews and
pasta sauces cozy comfort
I long to wrap around you
tied with childhood’s long strings
a too warm blanket you can push away
so you don’t smother
while you’re eating

our sleepy old cat
pushes his head
into the palm of my hand

the only poem
in my head today—
on the phone, the sound
of your happy voice