lunchtime, snow falls
as we leave the
restaurant,
i put my arm through
yours
and catch a flake on
my tongue
the rich scent of
smoking salmon
is carried on the
cold, salt air,
as if it were on the ashes
of long-ago village
fires
dotting the shore
behind us
just a few blocks up from
the landing,
and a stroll through
the courtyard
past northwest
carvings of
lighthouses, natives—
to the red cup café and the perfect cup—
and on to mukilteo chocolate co. for dessert
you pull the door
open, and i say
“what do you think i should
i get?”
you smile—suggestive,
“you can get whatever
you want”
over the counter the
owner
overhears, teases— “that’s
dangerous
to tell a woman in a
chocolate shop”
a seated man hears,
too “…or smart”
he’s right, we all
laugh—together,
strangers in a shared
moment
“well, i have to get
the haiku”
dark chocolate,
ginger,
hint of wasabi, candied
ginger on top—
“i just made triple
wasabi,
it’s in the back, i
can get you some…”
“no thanks, i’ll go
easy and try this first”
we select some
amazing flavors,
sip coffee, look out
at the view of the sound,
savoring them, and
each other
and all the little
things that become
the best kind of poetry
© 2014 Jennifer
Wagner
Claudia at dVerse has
us writing sketchbook poetry. As she
puts it, “poetry that captures a scene — poetry that is immediate and in the
moment.” With my husband’s schedule and
the kids off at school we get to take dates midweek, midday sometimes. It snowed briefly as we left one of our favorite
places on Tuesday and it seemed the perfect moment to capture on paper. And yes, Haiku Chocolate Truffle is
delicious!