Gratitude Goulash by Doug von Koss

 

Take down your biggest pot,

bigger than you think you need

 

Slice, dice or cut into manageable pieces

memories of unbounded joy

and the desiccated remains

of life's calamitous events

 

Now throw them in the pot

Look around for missed ingredients

there are bound to be some

 

Add spring water, local honey, vinegar,

a pinch of heaven

a smidgen of hell

 

Bring this mess to a rolling boil, cover, reduce heat

simmer on a back burner for

as long as it takes

stirring occasionally

 

When your kitchen has a mysterious scent

ask a close friend to dinner

 

Get out a couple bowls

they need not match

Just before serving fold in

a cup of success

and a quarter pound of failure

 

Then be very liberal with paprika

this is goulash after all

 

Welcome your friend to the table

solemnly bless what’s there

taste the bitter and the sweet

 

One bite is all you’ll need

enough to taste

the complex flavors of gratitude

 

Now forget the goulash

take your friend out to dinner

 

Order something you’ve never tried.