J. Simon Harris

 

The smell of garlic, rosemary and thyme,
the steam rising out from the boiling crock,
the bubbling sauce, the rhythmic chopping knife,
the chicken sizzling in the shallow pot.
A breeze from the window blows across our hot
wet brows, and we both sigh, husband and wife,
and catch each other’s eye. Your floured smock,
your oiled hands, your lips purpled with wine.

The flowers in the window gently rock,
and the breeze ripples through your hair, and I’m
left dumb—the world goes mute, everything stops,
and for the rest of time our eyes are locked,
our love is locked in this moment of time,
and I am all yours, and you are all mine.

 

J. Simon Harris was born and raised in North Carolina. Today he lives in Raleigh with his wife Ashley, their son Luke, and their two dogs. He is currently wrapping up a translation in terza rima of Dante’s Inferno for publication by the end of 2021. His translation of Pablo Neruda’s Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair is available now. More of his work is showcased on his website, www.jsimonharris.com.