A Man Of Impeccable Taste

My child
favors a slice of bread
slathered with butter;
he has
no appreciation
for what it's made of.

all that it is

is warmth
and crumbly goodness;
a soft treat that
tastes right.

My child's palate
does not yet
enjoy onions
or peppers;
raw
or sauteed in butter.
It probably will
one day,
but not yet.

His palate doesn't
appreciate
fresh cilantro, grated lemon zest
or sea salt;
There is no inquiry
between bites:
was that oregano
or basil?
Might I suggest
a pinch more.

My child's tastes
will grow,
as he does,
fancy dinners, pungent cheeses,
crisp vegetables;
yet I hope
that he will always
savor
simplicity,
feel
contentment
with the basics,

an appreciation for
a mixture of
flour, yeast, and baking soda

little hands clutching
a slab of thick bread,

then reaching
for a glass of cold milk.