Caprese Panini

by Denise R. Weuve

When I love
It will be between ciabatta bread,
Dressed in red and green heirloom tomatoes
Of our mother country.

When I love
It will be a special blend of pistachio and basil
Grinded with a bit of citrus lemon juice,
Sweet garlic, and Pecorino Ramona into a smooth pesto.

When I love
It is the way I spread the pesto,
Like a sheet, onto the grilled ciabatta
Seasoned with herbs de Provence.

When I love
It is before dawn
When the sun waits to rear forward
So I can snip the perfect leaf of basilico.

When I love
It is in the layering:
Tomato, basil, red onion,
Mozzarella di Bufala.

When I love
It is tenderly serrating a masterpiece
In two but not to share,
Simply to make it easier for you to consume.

When I love
It is the giving that never takes
It is the flavor you cannot forget
It is always there when you are hungry