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Eat Like You Mean It

Suck the edamame
from their salted pods audibly
slurp the pho
each sloppy noodle slow
from the biggest bowl and grin
while watermelon juice
dribbles down your chin
crack pistachios
with birdlike gusto
and smack your lips
on cracklin’ duck fat
catch every last drip
of rare beef tips
lick hollandaise
from the bottom of the pan
slather on mayonnaise
and scoop with two fingers
leftover cake batter
rejoice in every au jus
relish cool tzatziki
and cherish every chutney
chew chomp crunch
each soup-and-sandwich lunch
marvel at crouton perfection
and chocolate-layered confections
pour on the maple syrup
and don’t let up
fear no quantity of garlic
glory in eggs and gravy
heap on potatoes or pierogies
and sing a hot hallelujah
in praise of barbeque
gobble up hot cobbler
stain your teeth on blueberries
spare no spice or flavor
and don’t think twice.
Life, lover, is full
of things to savor.

—
Brook J. Sadler, Ph.D., MFA, is a professor of philosophy. She writes poetry, fiction, essays, and philosophy. Her work can be found in McSweeny’s Internet Tendency, South Writ Large, Philosophical Forum, and Ms. Magazine, among others. When she is not at her desk, she is probably out walking the dog.

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