All the perfumes of Arabia
Will never even come close
To the fragrance of Indian spices
Packed in a pinch-like dose..
Memories are wrapped in spices
Each spice has a unique association
Emotions each spice evokes in me
Causing from my present a dissociation,
Transporting me to a mystical land
Where food is an expression of culture
Preparation of food an art in itself
And love is expressed as flavor..
The pungence of asafoetida feels like
The stabbing pain of a missed chance
The flirty sweetness of cinnamon reminds me
Of the blush of a budding romance
Red hot chili brings aggression to mind
Pepper is reminiscent of burning anger
Cardamom spells the warmth of love
Calmness is portrayed by coriander.
Mint reminds me of a cool breeze
Cumin, the comfort of something familiar
Fenugreek, the bitterness of conflict
Juicy gossip is like dried mango powder.
Saffron depicts royalty and splendor
Sesame seeds are foreign, exotic
By now I wonder if everyone thinks
This description of spices is Quixotic…
Believe it or not, our sense of olfaction
Tends to form associations strong
These are the ones my brain has formed
While for the fragrance of spices I long!
Passion...unbridled 