The Illumination of Nutrition: Cold Poems

(Cut and paste these labels on the appropriate items and transform even the most simple icebox into an instant Installation!)

Upon Opening	

It is only in darkness
that this shrine of food
shines out the might
of its import



Milk	

So much
of what
you know
of love
was learned
in my
consumption



Eggs	

A dozen
individuals
nestle here
in this tray
-each
an entire being
willing to sacrifice
our boundaries
to unite
for the sake
of a recipe



Butter	

Slide
your finger
over
my
smooth
back
Do I not
give meaning
to all the others
in this door?



Juice	

Think of
the thrill
I provide
in the morning-
the first
of the day-
sometimes
the greatest



Ice Cream	

Once I was
Forbidden
to you
by a chubby mother
Now you keep me
as a reminder
of this freedom of space-
your power
to consume
or not



Unidentifiable Leftovers	

Relax…
I really had no other plans
for my existence



Coke	

I
teach
your world
to sing
with
lots of
caffeine
and my
secret secret
formula



Ketchup	

It is the acid within
that gives spice
to your bland little meal

and it is a comfort to know
you think of me
as a friend



Peanut Butter	

Whatever I do
to blend with my surroundings,
the humility of my origins
cannot be transcended



Vegetable Drawer	

Wait! Before
you open me-
do you really want to know
what has been growing here
since last you thought
of healthy food?



The Is Nothing To Eat	

What is missing
is far more present
than what is here

as if there exists
an ideal fridge
in some ideal kitchen
that contains
all food
for all hunger


Cheese	

I claim
neutrality
and cholesterol

what do you claim
for me -


Fruit	

I have been eaten
by doctors
and poets-
sinners all

and forgiven
their pleasure
in my destruction



The Fridge	

Like the tiny cottage
the lost children reach
when their breadcrumbs
have vanished in the forest

I keep my light
for you to find
yourself


Lines on Closing the Fridge	

Peace
from the steeple of freezer
to the depths
of vegetable bins


 

© Karen Alkalay-Gut