Blues and Olives

Things that have

the bitterness of olives

and dandelion greens

should not be sweetened.

You have to take them down

with salt and garlic

in the dark rolling flavor

that seeks the underside of tongues

in the wild place

where stomachs growl

and teeth chomp.

It is the same with Blues —

low crooning twang

taking you down 

into the satisfying

soothing ooze

of deep brine.

©Wendy Mulhern

September 20, 2013