The sight of an

artichoke

will always

take my breath away

just enough so the throat catches

deep in the back

where tears mix with the ache

of all that was unsaid –

green claws curled over

parmesan, romano

bread crumbs

olive oil –

Steamed

butter bath

shiny finger tips –

quartered and roasted

lemons

on the side .

The hearts you always saved for me.

Dental tools peeling the soft hair from

coveted globe.