“Ma’s dowry-laden boatspoon shuffled

between spices like naani’s kahaniyaan—

interweaving spices across porous borders."

“The cannoli were filled to order with ricotta, and one could choose which toppings would be dusted over their glazed and crunchy tops: pistachio, chocolate chips, maraschino cherry, candied orange peels.”

“I feel you more in the filament.
If I were more romantic, I would shower you
with garlic, lemongrass, and scallion…”