Daddy's kitchen

Last Friday was my Dad's birthday, and in honor of it I wrote a poem for him. Since he was my main inspiration for learning to cook - and since BeEmbraced includes a lot of my recipes - I thought I'd publish the poem here.

Dad giving my best friend, Alex, and me a cooking lesson in high school 

Daddy's Kitchen

Tiny footprints scamper

To her Daddy’s kitchen

Like kitty, fresh from nap,

And now weaving in, out,

And between legs

At the first sound

Of the tuna can opening.

Tiny feet arch, tip toe

Like in ballet class

To breathe in

The fragrance of Daddy’s hands –

Garlic, lemon, thyme…

15 years and tiny toes grow

Into high heels,

Clacking on linoleum floor.

First newlywed apartment

But space enough for

Garlic, lemon, thyme…

To pause at the chopping of carrots,

Inhale caramelizing onions and

Remember Daddy’s hands,

Preparing a gourmet dinner and

Simmering lessons of savoring

The homemade and heart-warmed,

Only enjoyed fully with family.

          Written by Steph Shackelford, 3/1/2012