We have wonderful friends who drop off their home-grown tomatoes at our house. WHAT SERVICE, right? We are BLESSED!
There is literally nothing more important to me in the summer than tomatoes. And peaches. And corn.
In addition to our intrepid gardening friends, one of the points of pride of the town we live is our Farmer's Market.
It is a beautiful place where it feels like everyone is in a good mood, people stop and say hello, and the fruit and vegetables are amazing. So good, in fact, the experience continues and deepens once you get your bounty home!
I hope you enjoy this haiku poem inspired by our Farmer's Market.
THE FARMER'S MARKET
Here is what you do:
go to the Farmer's Market
and buy tomatoes
then go find peaches
the ones that are just about
bursting with sweetness
if the sweet corn line
moves like good conversation
pick up a few ears
your joy? contagious.
people want to stop and talk
but just keep moving
evaporating
vanishing like morning mist
becoming the air
your precious cargo
unloaded from the front seat
makes itself at home
you call your mother
she never picks up the phone
but at least you tried
you turn off your phone.
there can be no distractions
in this holy place.
earthy tap water
a generous pour of salt
boiling on the stove
gently, gently, now
tip the corn in the water
leave the lid just so
choose a tomato
the kind with a knowing look
a self-confidence
it will have to be
good with being almost nude
barely dressed with oil
as for the peaches
there is always at least one
who knows a secret
the secret is this:
you can treat peaches just like
you treat tomatoes
today: in slices
dressed in olive oil and wine
with salt and pepper
the corn, ready now
takes its rightful place, steaming
on the waiting plate
the tomatoes and
peaches invite you to come
sit at the table
let everything go
this is the most important
moment of your life