First Bites

I never dreamed I'd relish

every "mmmm" and mouthwatering

lip smack that emanated from

your full, pouty lips.

Thus far, I’d only known to fear the

thought of a savory morsel

lodging itself

in your delicate throat.

The mere thought

asphyxiating mine.

That notion stained in my mind—

any joy in feeding you, impermissible.

That first taste of crisp bacon,

the grease tickling tongue buds

expanding your limited palate

with intensifying flavor.

I forgot for a moment about

the sharp edges of thin fried pork.

And instead, I gambled on

the joy of my favorite food

satiating your small mouth,

nourishing your little belly.

I let it go.

Permitting the flavors

of my life

to wash it down.

Flavor is the theme for my writing group this month.

Read more pieces about flavor from my fellow Illuminate members:

A Bitter Taste (a poem) by Mia Sutton

Swedish Pancakes (Plett) by Kirsten Bergman

The Flavor of Melancholy by Laci Hoyt

Tr(eating) by Crystal James