she is Italian and warm

strong and lithe,

stirring and salting 

the boiling water

for the pasta.

 

she uses her fingers delicately

brown eyes shining as she 

cases the sausage,

one fluid motion,

and it is ready.

 

she is robust like the sauce,

smooth but snappy.

she is like a dancer

gracefully bouncing on top

of the balls of her feet.

 

she smiles serenely,

and offers sauce,

dripping off her fingertips.

she moves around the kitchen

like a naked woman- confident.

 

she caresses the soft shells,

pushing the cased meat inside,

a delicate and distinct aroma

hanging in the air,

lingering on her skin.