Michelin Stars

- for Dad, after Jan Heller Levi

I think you’re most yourself when you are cooking;

slicing the food with each chop,

the funny way you look, your eyebrows furrowed

as though you're confused.

You're neither award winning nor mediocre

at making my favorite soup.

you wouldn't win any michelin stars, Dad

but you wouldn't make me throw up.

I think how different everything might have been

had I judged your loving

like I judged your curry shrimp, your steam fish,

your jerk chicken.

But I always thought I was unheard

over that sizzling pot between us,

I always thought you were too distracted to hear me,

when you were listening the best you could.