Mangia

Walking through the doorway

is entering a hug

warm affection greets me right away

 

I sit down at the table

at my accustomed place

all year my senses crave what's on display

 

House-specialty lasagna, oozing cheesily

dances with sauce

made with family pride

 

The next bite, a polpette,

a flattened ball of meat

that sizzles in the oil as it’s fried

 

When it’s time to have dessert,

oh the joy that’s in the room,

an air of reverence bordering on holy

 

The golden crisp and dusted shells

filled with sweet rich cream

fresh homemade and heavenly cannoli

 

How I wish I could go back there

to share this meal again,

not only in my memories retrieved

 

My favorite place to eat,

and to fill my heart as well ~

Pop and Nonna’s house on Christmas Eve

Author's Note

No seven fishes for us; we preferred Nonna's lasagna. And her cannoli... oh my...

Reviews

[Antoinette Tarsitano-Mo..]

We did the same --- I still have either lasagna or stuffed shells each year!! Loved this one!!

[Rita L. Sev]

I knew you'd get this one, Cookie! I still miss those days...

[jvava]

Yummy! :)
Leonard Birch, who I see is both our friend, requested this poem for me to read. At first, I wasn't sure why - but now I see! It's fantastic! :)
Your descriptions are marvelous. You figurative language is effortless. I loved it! You left my mouth watering; I love Italian food. :)
Great write and splendid read! Keep up the delicious work!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, jvava! I'm glad you enjoyed dinner at my grandparents'! :)

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

What a touching write, Rita! There really is nothing like the food that is prepared with the loving hands of our dear family. It is funny how much I look forward to dinner at my parents house...my mother makes the best meals, especially during the holidays. Of course, your Nonna's cannoli's sound pretty appetizing!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Sarah. I didn't appreciate these occasions as much then as I do now...

[Onku Ghosh]

Sounds yummy!! Good write.

[Rita L. Sev]

:) It was, believe me! Thanks, Onku!

[Sharon Kim]

Isn't it amazing how many cherished memories have food attached to them. It seems especially so when thinking of grandmas. Lasagna was our go to Christmas Eve dinner, too. A nice nostalgic write!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Sharon. I write about food often, and yes, it is because of the memories attached... :)

[Baby Ricochet]

God I'm salivating now

[Rita L. Sev]

Lasagna... polpette... cannoli... Yep, those will do that! :)

[Angel]

Italian??? Of course!!!
Oh, yum!!!!! If you wanna talk food...speak to me in Italian!!!!!!
Darn you, Rita! I'm supposed to be on a diet...but now, I'm craving Italian food! Mmmm. Lasagna!!!!
;D

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! Of course, Italian! It doesn't get more Italian than the name Rita! :) LOL!

[Cassie]

This poem brings a happy very happy feeling. Loved this one especially the first stanza

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Cassie! Memories of those days always make me happy too... :)

[SteveB]

The love shines through. nicely penned You are still experimenting with the 3 lines rhyme scheme and doing it wel. One suggestion if I may, at the end of stanza 2 "display" rather than "displayed". Other than that great rhyme and meter.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Steve! I didn't like "displayed" there, either - "on display" should work better. I seem to be in a loop of using this rhyme scheme now... :)

[Sharon L.H. Kelly]

I just had a cannoli last night at dinner! Tell me... did your Pop and Nonna's house have 2 kitchens?! This was a delicious piece of writing!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Sharon! Only one kitchen - their house was small. But oh, the aromas from that room! :)