Introduction

This collection of poems called Louise’s Caveat Kitchen reflects a spectrum of moods and experiences, tooled with a gastronomic fondness for food and all things culinary.  The kitchen is my metaphor for creating and managing daily life, ever equipped with its slick granite and stainless steel caveats.

I have taught yoga for nearly 20 years.  My first yoga studio was destroyed by fire.  My second yoga studio, in a building bought and renovated, was taken by city government to resolve flooding conditions.  I decided the ferocious Hindu Goddess of destruction, Kali, had teamed with the prophets of Revelation!   I survived the fire and flood.  In fact, writing these poems was part of how I regained my balance.  Now, I head to the “kitchen” when the pestilence hits!

Finding humor in things that might haunt me is integral to regaining my inner balance. The writing process and the malleable nature of words can awaken the Kali in me. An honest self-discovery, let’s me I fearlessly confront my deceptions and expose them.  Besides yoga, this is my favorite recipe for healing.  Life offers endless subjects to nibble, savor or broil on high!

Louise’s Caveat Kitchen (TM) includes 108 short poems in seven chapters or “cabinets.”  Here are a few samples from my cabinets that I hope will tease your palate.

When Organic Is Best

The skin was stitched too tight from the beginning
Her rosemary stuffing could no longer retreat inside
Unstitched suddenly in an unexpected display
It spilled out like a cage-free bird

                                    Pagan Pancake

Flattened again
Stirred your words into
Buttermilk magic
Goddess only knows how
What once hurt tasted so good

 Mortar and Media Pestle

Woo-hoo and hoopla
Another day to grind
Amass a daily pulp of shocks
For the salt and pepper mind
Panic-button home screen
Pharmacy of the lost and found
Yank it up, spice it up
Run it to the ground

Heil! Heavy Cream

Pious Purity
Supreme whiteness
Needs a good whipping!
I’ll mix your ass with these colored wild berries

Wishbone Ash

I snapped
Frustrated with the weaker side,
I surrendered it to the Spirits who played a game
Chasing me in circles around my fire
They laughed and tossed the bone back my way
It landed in the flame and smoked for what felt like eternity

Avocado Orgasm

Skin peeled back…
Fully ripened
Large hard seed
Buried in velvet softness
Smooth slather, easy spread
…Deep, ravenous gulp

Buy book, $12

(scroll down the page to check out) You may also like Book Two, Second Helpings.  I offer a discount when buying both books!