Mission Inn Retreat Triad Poem

Black Pepper, White Teeth



Playful white blaze,

Golden, black-pawed dog glowing under dark strands

of green, red, and white Italian light bulbs,

Striped green and ivory awning.

A red-checkered tablecloth.

My fingers cannot resist his fur.

The rosy influence of Frank Sinatra glistens my ears.

I feel like petting.

My lover’s golden hair colors my blushing, like wine.

His thick, beige hands.

The black pepper, white teeth.

I’ve nearly forgotten my dog.

A scent like red, overripe tomatoes, and thick dusty fur.

I want everything.

I want the dog, and I want the man, and I want the spaghetti.

I’m greedy.

It’s all so irresistible. I roll like a dog

in the gorgeous multicolored light,

The colors of this night and its scents engulf me.

Blissfully alive..