The Bitter Celebrates
Mention gateways and mythologies
and I see openings to paths
better left unseen. No choice is
choice,
but preparation leads us astray as well.
Take this bitter leaf.
Call it arugula.
Call it rocket.
Call it colewort or weed.
Dress it with oil and vinegar,
with garlic and lemon.
Add tomato, salt.
Though you try to conceal it,
the bitterness remains.
But back to gates and myths. Do they truly
lead us out, or do we
circle back, returning
to the same endings
again
and again.
Remove the snake, rodents return.
Seal the hole.
Take this leaf.
Voice those words.
Close that door.
“The Bitter Celebrates” first appeared in Amethyst Review in December 2018.
O at the Edges 
Hey Robert, another wonderfully rich piece of writing.. just a courtesy to let you know it’s been shared as noted below… all the best.
https://grumpysgiftspoetry.org/2020/05/16/the-bitter-celebrates-robert-okaji-o-at-the-edges/
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Thank you, Anthony. I’m delighted that you’ve shared this.
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Hi Bob, thanks for sharing another wonderful poem :). Besides, how have you been?
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Hi A-Jay. Thanks very much. Having recovered from a bout with the coronavirus, I’m doing well now. I hope you’re safe and healthy.
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I’m glad to know you’re doing well now, and I’m healthy and staying safe.
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Good to hear. Stay safe!
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very refreshing!
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Thank you. I’m pleased you found it so!
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Love you work! Some powerful lines.
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Thanks very much, June!
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Sorry typo. I find your work very inspiring Robert, and am glad to have come across it on your blog.
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I, of course, have never made a typo. Ha! My eye corrected yours, and I never noticed it until you pointed it out. 🙂 I’m so pleased you enjoy my work.
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Most gates (any many myths) are two-way … choosing to pass through does constitute opening oneself to who-knows-what. But so does NOT passing through … (Have learned to enjoy arugula in salads only in the last few years but now relish it! Did my taste buds finally grow up? Or dull down?)
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