BLACK BEAN LOVE

For Robert Alvarez

tiny black and

hard at first

like hearts that

need warming

like souls that thirst

an overnight soaking

is just the beginning

then cooking

so slowly

the rooms will grow

warmer with an

earthy scent

fill the world

with hungry repent

expectations rise

and are calmly put down

a black bean

means business

the mistake

is to own

your belly will fill

in righteous time

with the supper

of peasants, of kings, of divines

courted by plantains

peppers and rice

a crown of cilantro

a mantle of spice

will humble you

to an even keel

a belly full

goes a long way to heal

the simplest of things

holds our fate

the tiniest moves

make us great