Death Never Tasted

Crowned with bay,

Nay, a crown of chilis, fiery, red, unforgiving;

Upon the path, a trampled leafy crown.

Death never tasted

Sweeter than this,

Allspice like pepper

Shaken beyond time.

We have no taste for embalming,

Not like the Egyptians,

Who mastered the art of using cinnamon

In preservation of kings and queens.

Its scent rises to fill my lungs.

Ambrosia of love,

A pinch of nutmeg, touch of black pepper,

Cloves to cut the too-sweet taste.

The scent of chilis, red hot, assaulting the smell sense.