metaphoricallove

in my spice cabinet

cumin sits next to cinnamon,

dill next to clove.

shelves unlabelled,

contradictions coexisting,

once stood tall in dreams.

in reality, heat pinned my tongue.

chilli split the air,

the mouth braced,

awaiting cold relief.

none came.

sensation thinned,

sound dulled.

These days, I practice

keeping my mouth open.

letting bitterness bloom,

the roof of my mouth

hardens into refuge

for unsettled flavour.

cinnamon above oregano,

basil beside the nutmeg.

nothing rearranged.