Sometimes I burn the toast.

This is a good, maybe
necessary thing.
          Soaked
in butter to soften
the char,
          with a dollop
of jam,
          a piquant twist,
an occasional tart
surprise
          pairing well with
coffee, cream, two sugars
in pale gold morning light.

Mostly accidental,
this is
          an acquired
taste,
          savoring flavors
of serendipity
to start the day.
          Story
of my life, this.
          Sometimes
I burn it on purpose.

 

K.L. Johnston is best known for award-winning poetry centered in spiritual experience, nature, and trauma survival. Author of three books of poetry, since 2020 her works have appeared in more than fifty literary magazines and anthologies. A retired antiques and art dealer she currently lives near the Savannah River.