January Dal

Red lentils
turn yellow
on stovetop
-cumin,
garlic,
turmeric,
ginger-
breathe in
breath out.

Complex
family,
simple fare.
Leave your
boots at the
back door
and
sit with us,
enjoying this
gentle mash.

Bring your
dreams,
your burdens,
your opened
wounds and
want of
affections
to this
hallowed
communion
site.

When you
suit up again,
whenever
that might be,
to the cold
winter air
and the world's
unkindness,
leave with
peace on
your tongue.