Today’s Verselove prompt: Choose one “spice” to guide your writing today, and let it season your free verse poem as your thoughts move freely across the page.

Garlic

Sautéed, smashed, confited, or raw,
garlic was a staple in our home.
Its subtle aroma permeating the house
meant something good was coming our way.
Our personal chef was creating delicious dishes
inspired by his southern Italian roots,
which he learned from his father as a boy.

From Sunday sauce, sauteed spinach, and bruschetta,
to shrimp scampi, roasted pork, or garlic bread,
these are some of the places hints of garlic would
rise from the beautifully presented plates
and dance through the air and onto our taste buds.

Now, garlic is a staple in the homes of his children
where they cook for their families using
some of the recipes they learned by his side
proud of their southern Italian roots.