I’m not a fan of meat. I never wish
for steak or dogs, and I don’t crave a dish
of stew. My mother cooked and tried to feed
me flesh – I never cared for more than fish.

My favorite meals are based on nuts and seeds
and vegetables. I satisfy my need
for protein with legumes and dairy fare,
and covet avocado halves with greed.

My brother raises food with feet: a pair
of cows, some pigs, and lots of poultry share
his pasture till he slaughters them to freeze
his future meals. But now he’s in the flare

of fire: poison air and scary breeze.
His farm is safe but power’s off. Degrees
increase, and I admit anxieties –
concerned about those carnal calories.