Sowmya Hiremat

You want to give me attention
Okay, I’ll take it. It’s like coffee.
You want to give me validation
Okay, I’ll take it. It’s like sugar.
You want to give me advice
Okay, I’ll take it. It’s like tea leaf.
You want to give me pain
Okay, I’ll take it. It’s like chilly.
You want to give me company
Okay, I’ll take it. It’s like bread. 
You want to give me anger
Okay, I’ll take it. It’s like garlic.
You want to give me affection
Okay, I’ll take it. It’s like chocolate.
You want to give me hate
Okay, I’ll take it. It’s like salt.
You want to give me love 
Okay, I’ll take it. It’s like cherry.

I am greatful for all the giving 
This world & its people send my way.
My life is my favorite food; 
All ingredients add to it, 
Make it a recipe of wonder that awes. 
I will happily set a table of me own
& eat more than many plate full;
You can join, if the chair fits.
There is plenty for anyone seeking, 
It specifically & intentionally. 
But the secret sauce of my one life 
Is the smoke from cooking fire of 
My mysterious, layered soul.
The sacred fuel that alchemizes
All it touches, leaving them & 
My own life changed forever.
It is the constant component;
All else is this world’s offering
Generously & in abundance.
I’m a witness of this miracle,  
Time & again, Time & again … so
I’ll take it all & say thank you 
For this gift, a grand feast, 
Which has become My Beautiful Life.