Red pepper day

be gone from me, dark misery
I beg you, make away
turn your back and cut some slack
for my red pepper day

with wholesome wholemeal seeded loaf
fast crumbled into crumb
and nubbled cheese, and extra seeds
and strongest onion
a subtle touch of spices rare
a hint of garlic here and there
with ripe tomatoes and mushrooms
and almonds cut up fine,
I stuff the crunchy, munchy fruit
to make a meal divine

and as I take it from the stove
and place it on my plate
I know with joyous certainty
that it was worth the wait
and though my day was darkened
by unhappy fate and pain
I wipe my eye and widely smile
the world is kind again
and should I wake tomorrow
with happiness out of reach
I’ll go into the kitchen
and bake myself a quiche

©Jane Paterson Basil