Missing Spice by Amy Barone

I sprinkle chaat masala on most dishes now.

Craving travel and adventure, I shun bland herbs

and embark on excursions that begin and end in the kitchen.

When I miss lulling train rides, I indulge in chamomile tea

as I shave ginger onto stir fries and eggs.

On holidays, in a nod to Mediterranean roots, I ration scoops

of white truffle oil for fresh pasta, relishing the pungent tang.

I cool my tongue with anise seeds, pour a bitter digestivo over ice

whenever the jolt from turmeric and serrano assaults.

As the urge to journey heats up, I play Motown sounds and move

to upbeat tunes as I edit the list of places I long to savor.