Skip to main content

mamma sally


puttanesca tickles my nose
pulls me through 
these streets, eyes closed
Mamma Sally, she knows
how to fill my bowl

daughter of the old country
pulled up her roots
for the better life, the big city
Mamma Sally, she knows
how far the red brick goes

raising up tomatoes to the sky
from her window box piazza
seven stories high
Mamma Sally, she knows
how her garden grows

olive oil, garlic, basil in harmony
hymns of joy
the blessed holy trinity
Mamma Sally, she knows
how to save my soul

© 2011-Rene


image: 
Universal Studios Lot, Instagram by sessepien ( via Magpie Tales)

Comments

  1. Enjoyed it. Sounds like it could be a song...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Poetry both beautiful and al dente...

    ReplyDelete
  3. very wonderful sensory poem- I can smell that tangy sauce from here!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great rhythm and rhyme, not to mention content. Do you ever read your poetry aloud Rene? This would be fun to listen to.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This would make an excellent song lyric!

    ReplyDelete
  6. How nice! ready to be a song...Enjoyed very much.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Very evocative, Rene. Nicely done =) Indigo x

    ReplyDelete
  8. I think I would like Mama Sally, if she used olive oil, garlic, and basil. I think I am getting hungry now. (smiles)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I agree with others this has a musical feel..why do I have the need to make spaghetti sauce..creative piece of writing..

    ReplyDelete
  10. Really nice way to connect with the setting ... I can almost smell the gravy and hear her call the kids in to dinner ...

    ReplyDelete
  11. so enjoyable lines....making me hungry for more.... :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love how the picture reminds you of mother and cooking!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love this. Your words and the image make for great nostalgia.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love this poem. Mama Sally knows what's real. Great interpretation of the photo prompt. I could see her, and her window garden. Cool.

    ReplyDelete
  15. absolutely loved this! part story, part life lesson...you did wonderfully with the photo!

    stacy lynn mar
    http://warningthestars.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  16. You certainly have a way with words ... love this!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Window box piazza indeed! Love the lyrical quality of this one...

    ReplyDelete
  18. Some of us will be singing this all the way home! Lovely, and enjoyable magpie!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I think I might know Mamma Sally! This was delightful!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Good food, gardens and hymns! What could be better?

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Please drop a penny in a poet's hat :

Popular posts from this blog

bridesmaid

Image via Magpie Tales i won't be leaving here with you nor will you be staying with me for any longer than you see fit that is just the way of it it is the silent refrain of my being i won't be leaving here with you but i will stay, until my time is done as your ceremonial chosen one no, this won't be my last tour though it is the first time i won't be leaving here with you shh, now, darling. this is what i do i see it in your eyes, our time's drawing to a close. please don't mind  the tears  they come, they go, it's true... i won't be leaving here with you Rene ~ December 8, 2012

blue willow

i don't like eggs but you knew this already i know you're thinking such a terrible waste but it's not, you see i'm feeding them to the dog she loves them just as much as i know she loved you and the way you walked her as if every single thing she sniffed mattered to you as well sorry, dear pardon my red wine opera crowd violin string tugging (your words) i ramble at breakfast like a fussy percolator but you knew this already morning is when i am most honest and vulnerable i know that's why you left after dinner oh god dammit you i miss you so much what i did before us is a mystery and what i do now is insanity i'm frying up eggs just to smell them again and to perhaps coax you down, from wherever you are for breakfast did you know i believe that there is still a ghost of a chance Rene Foran ~  April 2011 photo by Tess Kincaid for Magpie Tales click for more info