Mother's Lessons

A warm and relieving remedy

to a wintry evening.

As we plane toward the

sizzling pot on the stove,

hints of roasted garlic, onion,

and thyme soar to our noses.

The woman tending to the pot

adds jasmine rice

one handful at a time.

Sounds of yellow sears

as water is added to the mix.

A rolling boil arises

and lets off steam like a hot spring.

She covers the pot and ceases the blaze,

turns to me and whispers,

Now study what has been made.