Cooking tofu on the porch in an electric skillet

Sometimes when I am doing a thing that takes me from writing, giving up my "personal time" to do something for another, what I find is that I am still writing. Just not on paper... A saying that is often attributed to St. Francis is this: Preach always; when necessary, use words.  I guess the same goes for writing a poem...  

Cooking tofu on the porch in an electric skillet

 

after marinating it

overnight in a bath

 

of soy sauce, maple

syrup, garlic, chili

 

powder, ginger, and rice

-wine vinegar,

 

I sit here in the damp heat

delicately turning each soft slice

 

ginger and garlic sizzling into the air

trying carefully to singe the edges

 

turning each slice with care

to see that it burns only enough

 

just the way you like

because after 2 weeks of radiation

 

singing the inside of your stomach

with such delicate care

 

it is all you ask for

though the smell

 

of cooking makes you sick

 

When I come inside

plate of browned

 

dominos (we used to call them) still hot

(just the way you like)

 

with delicate care you will

take one and smile

 

(and that will be too much)

And even as you push the plate away

 

you will thank me for them

all

 

 

Here is the RECIPE for the marinade and cooking the tofu... If you are interested in a little vegetarian delight.