The Italian Culinary Prospect for Prosperity

An earlier version of this poem was published in Issue 41 of ‘Voice & Verse Magazine’

The Italian Culinary Prospect for Prosperity

Of lentils

On New Year’s Eve I ate plenty:

They bring money and prosperity.

I did not eat any meat,

I had made a vow.

And vegetarian-vegan is the in-thing now.

Abundance and material progress,

The pig represents.

Dirty but good,

Like all the best things in life.

And pork can be cooked without too much fuss,

But nonetheless, I gave it a pass.

Still, to my lentils

Of which there were plenty,

I added rice, ‘riso’ ,

Which also means ‘laugh’

For good luck and joyfulness. 

And no other usefulness.

At times, I turn the rice into a risotto,

Adding succulent grains of pomegranate,

Symbol of lavishness and richness.

Yes, I do care of those. I’m shameless.

As a side dish,

I picked cabbage and chard,

Parsley and dill, 

Green like dollar bills.

More money gives me the chills.

Later came raisins and dry figs

For good fate,

Followed by hazelnuts, walnuts and almonds.

Their hard shells hide a soft core

That – as they say – would open my mind

To introspection and mysticism,

Healing any spiritual pain, any sore.

To complete my meal,

I indulged in grapes

For abundance and cheerfulness,

And mandarins – full of infinite promises.

Since you never know where you’ll end up next,

They represent good fortune in both East and West.

Money, health, happiness and prosperity.

Thoughtfulness and longevity.

I was so proud and satisfied

I had the perfect meal.

Without undue violence, without any meat,

I secured a year of unlimited treats.

What else could I ask for?

Oh wait, there’s something more…

Those long, red and phallic chilly peppers

Symbol of fertility

Should protect me from misfortune and solitude

Ward me off from infidelity

And help me procreate.

They MUST be on my plate.

I’ll get a kilo of those,

Immediately swallow one,

Hope for the best

And store the rest

For the years to come.