Dolci di Mare ~ Found Poem
In the Italian Restaurante
we study the dessert menu,
contemplate Tiramisu,
ladyfingers soaked in espresso,
layered with Italian mascarpone,
or a flourless dark chocolate Soufflé
with rich molten center,
perhaps Cannoli Siciliani
filled with fresh ricotta cheese,
candied fruit, and chocolate chips.
So much decadence to consider,
such enticing selections.
We pass up Panna Cotta,
vanilla bean cream custard
and hazelnut Gelato,
finally decide
on Semifreddo Limoncello,
lemon meringue ice cream
topped with raspberry sauce,
and peach Sorbetto,
drizzled with hot fudge
served in a fruit shell.
Our server Adriano delivers
two works of art on white plates,
hands out spoons for everyone.
We share indulgent sweetness,
lick the last remnants
of sauce from our fingers,
shout Molto Bene.
Laura Bayless lives in Carmel Valley, is the author of four collections of poetry. Her poems have appeared in many local and national publications. She has participated in seven Women’s Voices readings at the Carl Cherry Center in Carmel and multiple Women and Food poetry presentations on the Monterey Peninsula. She is an Associate Editor of the Monterey Poetry Review.
In the Italian Restaurante
we study the dessert menu,
contemplate Tiramisu,
ladyfingers soaked in espresso,
layered with Italian mascarpone,
or a flourless dark chocolate Soufflé
with rich molten center,
perhaps Cannoli Siciliani
filled with fresh ricotta cheese,
candied fruit, and chocolate chips.
So much decadence to consider,
such enticing selections.
We pass up Panna Cotta,
vanilla bean cream custard
and hazelnut Gelato,
finally decide
on Semifreddo Limoncello,
lemon meringue ice cream
topped with raspberry sauce,
and peach Sorbetto,
drizzled with hot fudge
served in a fruit shell.
Our server Adriano delivers
two works of art on white plates,
hands out spoons for everyone.
We share indulgent sweetness,
lick the last remnants
of sauce from our fingers,
shout Molto Bene.
Laura Bayless lives in Carmel Valley, is the author of four collections of poetry. Her poems have appeared in many local and national publications. She has participated in seven Women’s Voices readings at the Carl Cherry Center in Carmel and multiple Women and Food poetry presentations on the Monterey Peninsula. She is an Associate Editor of the Monterey Poetry Review.
