Hello, dVerse Poets! It’s Merril from southern New Jersey, and we’re spicing things up today!

On dVerse live last week, we were talking about magnetic poetry, and so today I’m going to give you a list of words. Only instead of all the tabs on the magnetic poetry site, this list is all herbs, spices, and flavorings. I picked them from the list on Penzeys. I often order from there or visit their store in Philadelphia.

I’ve chosen twenty-five herbs, spices, flavors, and spice combinations—A to Z. Pick at least three for your poem. Use more if you so desire. You may also choose one of the words or phrases for your title.

Aleppo Pepper
Arizona Dreaming
Basil
Cinnamon
Coriander
Cumin
Dill
Fennel seed
Garam Masala
Ginger
Krakow Nights
Lemongrass
Mulling spices
Mural of flavor
Mustard Seeds
Nutmeg
Paprika
Saffron
Sea salt
Sesame Seeds
Sunny Paris
Thyme
Tuscan Sunset
Vanilla
Zatar

You may not be someone who cooks or uses many spices. That’s fine. Your poem does not have to be about spices or cooking, but it can be! I don’t know about you, but things seem to be busy and overwhelming right now. Sometimes it’s good to have inspiration without too many rules. Just have fun with these words. I can’t wait to see what you cook up. (Sorry, I had to. 🙂)

Here are a few poems for inspiration.

from Maud (Part I)
BY ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON
A Monodrama
Come into the garden, Maud,
For the black bat, night, has flown,
Come into the garden, Maud,
I am here at the gate alone;
And the woodbine spices are wafted abroad,
And the musk of the rose is blown.

Ginger
BY ADRIENNE SU
We’ll affirm its arrival
when it’s not in the titles
of recipes in which it figures
quietly, as moderate slivers. . .

Basil by Sandra M. Gilbert

Here’s what to do:
*Write a poem (in any form) in response to the challenge: to pick three or more words from the spice list above to use in your poem.
*Enter a link directly to your poem (not your blog) by clicking Mr Linky below. Remember to check the little box to accept the use/privacy policy.
*You will find links to other poets and more will join, so check back later to read their poems.
Please read and comment on other poets’ work–we all come here to have our poems read!
*Please link back to dVerse from your site/blog. This helps others find the prompt.