Cake in the Corners

It lingered for days,
that sweet, indulgent smell
of chocolate.

A silent ghost resting in the corners
of my kitchen,
the fragrance of last night
haunts my heart,
and I know
there will be many more scented spirits
to burden my soul.

Baked while most of the world slept,
it was not a last minute endeavor,
but a planned pairing
of eggs and flour,
batter and pan,
icing and cake
you and I.

Slightly burnt, made with love,
it provided an opportunity
for an exchange
that never occurred.

A conversation in which
a frail page of existence’s
cookbook is turned,
and what remains unsaid
is said,
what remains undone
is done,
what keeps me up
in the days darkest hours
is brought to light.

Love and frustration,
Hope and despair,
happiness and anger,
you and I,
whisked together
in this great mixing bowl
called life.
A recipe for disaster.
A recipe for us.