POETRY

Cannolis, Cognac, and Coffee

A birthday coincidence

(The three “C’s” greeting me; Author photo)

One summer day I came to Earth
And got my stamp called “date of birth.”
Since then I’ve traveled ‘round the sun
And marked each lap with friends and fun.

This year two friends rose to the task,
They came with grill and cognac flask.
We cooked outdoors, a special treat,
And spared the kitchen of more heat.

The flask uncorked and grill fired up,
Beef kebobs stacked on tabletop,
Sweet cognac fumes flowed through the air
As alder smoke seared meat, still rare.

We grilled, then ate, then grilled some more,
A feast for Romans, food galore.
I paused to thank that pow’rs that be
For birthday bounty gifted me.

The spread consumed, our stomachs hurt,
We stretched our legs to bring dessert,
No fairer sight would then greet me —
Cannolis, cognac, and coffee.