On Cooking

Before you cook, prepare yourself, your ego, your inner self,

For cooking will test you. 

This is not a test graded by numbers or letters.

It is test graded by telepathic nuances sent under cover.

Words will be freighted with judgment.

Conversation unrelated to the meal

Will be as rich as a restaurant review.

And,

When you cook, be patient, be prepared.

Be prepared to fail, to forget a seasoning, to undercook, to overcook.

But,

When you cook, look forward to the meal, and

Look forward to your special area of competence—

Cleaning up.

--August 16, 2013