A trail of smoke accompanies the chef as he walks reverently to our table the air is ripe with titillating smells the tongue tingles with anticipation. In the middle of us, he sets the helmet the emblem armor worn by samurai arranged elegantly on a platter-- wild caught by him under the blaring sun, salted and grilled on this moonlit evening; fresh wasabi, grated shōga, yuzu, and shredded daikon complimenting. In this culture, waste not is a given-- quintessential of all Japanese foods the tongue tingles with anticipation fruit of the local Pacific waters we indulge, head of the fish: kabuto. © selma
I’m sure you’re familiar with the italicized Japanese terms I took the liberty of using.
They’re common in Japanese cuisine, except (maybe) for the last word, kabuto, whose
image is portrayed within the poem. *wink*
(Also, the fisherman who catches and prepares this delicacy is my darling husband.)
Day Fourteen Prompt, NaPoWriMo 2023
(Fish Head) Image by Jason Goh from Pixabay
Japan has long had a culture of “mottainai,” meaning “waste not“–
in regards to food, this means using all parts of an animal.
There are many ways to prepare the head;
we love it salted
and grilled.
Thanks so much for reading, and happy national poetry writing month.
Aside: I’m back home now, a little sore from all the walking our friends and we did in
our five-day escapade. But my heart is well content with renewed juvenescence.
Thanks for the many visits to my website to honor me with lovely comments. I vow to
return as many as I’m humanly able. *wink* You guys are the best. Thanks so much.
I bless you and wish you miracles. XoXo.
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OMG! my mouth is watering…!
<3
David
This is encouraging comment, David. I thought se might find this practice gross. It’s delicious indeed. Fish have fat cheeks you know? 👏 thanks David
Yep! 😋
I love your take on the food prompt, Selma, and the way you introduce it with a ‘trail of smoke’ and a chef! I also love the use of the senses in ‘the air is ripe with titillating smells’ and the repetition of ‘the tongue tingles with anticipation’.
Thanks soooo much, Kim. So happy you found it to your taste. 👏 xoxo
Selma friend, what a mouth watering poem this is, served with the repetition to ensure drooling happens.
To ensure drooling— yes 🤤 🐠
XoXo thanks for reading and commenting, Gloria 👏
teasing the taste buds, Selma😋
great take 👏🤍
Tasting the limits, indeed. Thanks dear Destiny. Xoxo
Testing and tasting 😂
😂have fun
always a pleasure 🤍
What a mouth watering take, dear Selma!
So good to know you had a lovely time with your bestie and her family. Now rest your achy feet and sit back. ❤️
Oh yes. The legs. Thanks for reading and commenting, Punam. Blessings.
Hope you enjoyed this exotic cuisine
Always always do. 👏 💗. Thanks, Sadje.
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Wow, what a feast! Love the concept of mottanai. So glad you’re well-rested and rejuvenated by your trip. Welcome home!
Aww, thanks so much Romana, dear. Blessings.
A wonderful write to take us into a special meal. Loved your repeating “tongue tingles”, perfectly emphasizes the anticipation.
I’m so pleased you liked the repetition and poem. I called the fish the ocean’s fruit in this first draft. Thanks for reading my offering today. Blessing you Heather. XoXo
Tasty and elegant–your poem and the dish:)
Thanks Arti. You’re sweet for saying. Thanks for supporting my efforts. Blessings.
That was amazing, Selma! I felt as if I were there. Well done!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Thanks. Dear Yve. Blessings.
Delicious!! (K)
Yes, it is delicious. Thanks, K. Blessings.
Now you wanna me have one…yummy❤️🌹
We’re all foodies here. 🤣 🐠 I like 💗 XoXo
Using all parts of an animal or plant for something respects the environment! Glad your husband likes to cook and prepares something you both enjoy. Now rest up from your trip, Selma! It took me several days to recover after my last trip with my daughters! 🙂
Geesh I was already hungry!!!!!
Hehe 🍲 xoxo
What a great poem with your repeat and such a feast. Welcome home and glad you had fun. Rest up, feet up and enjoy the memories. 💞
Excellent, Selma.