Bhun-na

by Khadeeja Bilqees

the epitome of culinary art

my mother told me

and you can never cook well

till you have mastered the art of

letting the meat simmer till

it embraces the flavor

till the excess evaporates

she said I’m too impatient

to do it right i turn off the flame

too soon before the ghee

has truly learned its place

the chai i made for the people

in the drawing room tasted

bland because i didn’t let

the patti fully claim the milk

it should be made to simmer

till it has no more to give

i’m standing in the kitchen     with you

and suddenly it’s easier      to wait

for the chai to simmer and

the meat to cook

time passes generously when

it hears your laughter