Gratitude Goulash - Doug von Koss

[Larry Robinson]

Gratitude Goulash 

Take down your biggest pot,
	bigger than you think you need

Slice, dice or cut into manageable pieces 
	memories of unbounded joy
	and the desiccated remains 
	of life's calamitous events

Now throw them in the pot

Look around for missed ingredients
	there are bound to be some

Add spring water, local honey, vinegar,
	a pinch of heaven
	a smidgen of hell 

Bring this mess to a rolling boil, cover, reduce heat
	simmer on a back burner for 
	as long as it takes
	stirring occasionally

When your kitchen has a mysterious scent
	ask a close friend to dinner

Get out a couple bowls
	they need not match
 
Just before serving fold in
	a cup of success 
	and a quarter pound of failure

Then be very liberal with paprika
	this is goulash after all

Welcome your friend to the table
	solemnly bless what’s there
	taste the bitter and the sweet
 
One bite is all you’ll need
	enough to taste
	the complex flavors of gratitude

Now forget the goulash
	take your friend out to dinner

Order something you’ve never tried

	- Doug von Koss