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Yesterday, I took a tomato from the vine,
bit into its warm flesh, and let it fill my mouth
with sun. The only thing missing
was a pinch of salt from your hand,
brushing seeds from my lips.
Today, I plunged my fingers into soil
and found my hands unbroken,
though my heart was cracked and capsizing.
I settled peppers in neat rows to grow,
salt drying in smooth rivers on my cheeks.
Tomorrow, or sometime hereafter,
there’ll be salsa. I’ll take water, make wine.
Where does love go when it goes? It’s never lost,
but found in the seasoning,
in the garden, of the survivor.
© 2026 Jennifer Wagner
dVerse Poetics: Where does love go?
What’s Going On? Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
A lovely and clever blend of the two prompts. "Tomorrow, or sometime hereafter, there’ll be salsa." one can only hope.
ReplyDeleteOh just beautiful. It’s in the salt and condiments that make the dishes implode in your mouth and in the heart.
ReplyDeleteI’m twice grateful for this poem as it served to remind me of a draft I started two full moons ago and put aside. I must resurrect and make into a poem. Thanks for that. And for the liveliness of your share. Powerful. Thanks. Xo, SelmaMartin
Jennifer, this poem hit me right in the heart - where does love go, indeed...the tears on the narrator's cheeks as she plants seeds of hope for what sustenance there is.......it is indeed found in the garden of the survivor. My new favourite poem of yours. I know the story, so this poem really hit me in the heart.
ReplyDeleteThe poem is so poignant yet the home of hope soothes the soul. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful connection to the garden and the memories it invokes - may they always return - Jae
ReplyDeleteOh, my! Jennifer, this is such a tender write that goes straight to the heart. I think this is my latest favourite poem of yours. ❤️
ReplyDeleteAh, Jennifer, not only did you use the whole title, but you took it and ran with it beautifully. The first stanza elicited an ‘Oh my goodness!’; the second a little tear; and the final stanza made me sigh. A firm favourite with me too.
ReplyDeleteSalsa can make you cry! The imagery is beautifully moving, Jennifer.
ReplyDelete"The only thing missing
ReplyDeletewas a pinch of salt from your hand,
brushing seeds from my lips"
Fabulous use of the tomato for all three stanzas! The tomato, the world, love. Such a sad poem, such a hopeful poem with love in the seasoning. Seasoning with two meanings. Brilliant. Inspired!
I love the entire poem, especially the hope at the end, in the seasoning and in the garden. Great write, makes my heart ache a little!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! This is absolutely stunning. Love, love, love the whole thing. My favorite lines are:
ReplyDelete"Where does love go when it goes? It’s never lost,
but found in the seasoning,
in the garden, of the survivor." --
But the whole poem is one to savor....like seasoning!
Tomorrow is filled with hope - taking us from the first tomato to the salsa. Wonderful contemplation of where love goes.
ReplyDeleteHard to read this and not be moved to the very core, Jennifer. Simply beautiful.
ReplyDelete"Where does love go when it goes? It’s never lost,
ReplyDeletebut found in the seasoning,
in the garden, of the survivor."
Beautiful poem, Jennifer!
A quietly powerful write Jennifer 👏 When love's gone food changes it's flavour - but we still have to eat!
ReplyDeleteThis touched. my heart, Jennifer. The mention of salt, and the growth of the garden. Wonderful writing!
ReplyDelete