Tastes Like Paradise

by Caneel
(Maine)

I open my well-worn cookbook
Torn and stained from the years of experiments
Flipping to my favorite cookie recipe

'How To Make The
Perfect Chocolate-Chip Cookies'
It boasts, and I smile, turning the radio on to 'soft'

Searching through cabinets and drawers
Flour
I pour out the right amounts into a bowl

Mix mix stir stir mix stir stir
I get egg on my pants and baking soda on my hands
But it is all worth it

I set the timer for ten long agonizing minutes
The house fills with the heavenly smell of flour and sweet sugar
The timer dings

I pull on red rubber mitts, pulling out the burning-hot cookie sheet
I lay them carefully down,
pour a cold glass of milk,
pick one up, scorching my fingers,
and take a bite

My creation tastes like paradise