Bitter sweet memories of a bitter bean curry

every time grandma came
she soaked a bunch of beans
bitter as hell, when soaked they would
somehow lose their skin

she'd then peal them, one by one
patient work for hours
while i'd go for a morning walk
and bring her parijat flowers

while she prayed and did pooja
i'd grate some fresh coconut
she'd add some jaggery, ground peanut
and cook with lid well shut

her homemade mix of spice and herbs
was just out of this world
bitter beans would become sweet
in rich, thick gravy they swirled

now grandma's gone on a long long trip
never again to return
and all i have is a bunch of beans
and a recipe that i learned

so when i miss the sweet old days,
i soak you, my dear beans
i love you so, for you take me
back to my treasured teens..