Geyl Wells

Love is a sushi bake shared among friends

this is what love is: 

the way salmon smells in the oven––

its bright pink flesh falling apart under eager forks. 

how vulnerable it feels to peel its skin back,

          like shedding our coats at the door 

          after walking in the autumn wind.

furikake sprinkled over a bed of rice, and

sheets of nori tucking us into bed. 

tuna and crab mixed with kewpie mayo––

the hot meat melting cream cheese into a soupy mixture.

          green onion. in any form. in all its glory.

love is best at 400º for 20 minutes––

and while it bakes–– love is slicing 

fresh avocado and cucumber by hand.

love looks like sesame seeds scattered 

          like freckles across hands and faces we know well.

love looks like sriracha drizzled in diagonal lines

          like the paths we take to meet each other by the train.

this is what love is:

cooking for friends.

sharing a meal.

them                          cleaning up the dishes

          while you rest.

the fish taking its last breath 

                                                  before sacrificing itself for you.