THE MACHI'S GRILL

SMOKE FROM THE MACHI'S FIRE

Using only the machi's

charcoal for smoke

he rose early to mix

bread and eggs with tarragon

and smoked paprika

to beef and pork combination

to form his loaf before

putting it on the grill.

Other herbs circling

his cupboard

were added

with garlic onions

sautéed in olive oil.

There are reports of engines

in the capitol

that cook with only direct heat

committing offenses too great

for the likes of his table

savoring smoke

arriving slow and indirect.

Jim Bodeen

3 May 2019