Doug Sylver
Food for Thought
It was good running into you in the community garden. I agree, the joy of January is planning this year’s crops. You said that since your trip to Italy you’ve been dreaming of carciofi alla romana, artichokes Roman style, you translate for me. Whole, young artichokes with the lower leaves and woody fiber part surrounding the choke removed, and then braised. Eaten whole. You said the plants will take up a lot of room in your tiny plot but you’re gonna make room for ‘em. Then, out of nowhere, you said you’ve also been dreaming of being caught in a wildfire with men in suits hovering just above harm’s way, laughing at you. After a long pause you say, “I’m looking forward to the artichokes.”
in a dark corner
seemingly seeing all
always at the ready
and poised to pounce
a big black plastic owl
About the Author
Doug Sylver’s writing can be found in Drifting Sands, The Sun Magazine, The New York Times and Fixator Press, among other publications. He is a recently retired public high school teacher and lives with his love, Monica, in Seattle.