Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels

Self-Portrait 1-12-24 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels Still life, not stillborn, With a woman’s face In dusky background hues, Pure clarity clothed in white, Gazing on gastronomic abundance. Artist of the banquet One step behind – The woman’s place of her time - Guardian of the sweet rewards Served like bridal wine, Topping the earthen vessel Of embryonic fermentation. In a cradle of fine delft Consummated almonds, Mellow figs Ripe fruit Conceived out of ravenous rapture Confinement released in harvest’s fare In signatures of arms crossed - Daily bread – gifts of finest wheat – Served with golden curls, Crushed seeds of grain Birthing beauty’s fullness. Above this feast of still life A woman smiles Her signature waiting to be discovered – Waiting for the invitation to emerge From the shadow!