A Pickle Portfolio Redux

“The successful candidate
will be energized
by the continuing revolution
in the communications professions.”


Gherkin

Some days I’d like to
turn the world
inside out and shake it
like a rug.

Today is one such day,
but the world will wait
while I sit
on my big blue chair

and eat a pickle.
A garnish,
never a side dish
a pickle will surprise you
every time.
















“Successful candidates will speak,
read, and write Japanese very well.
It is not necessary for this candidate
to be Japanese.”


Half Sour Dill

Japanese pickles
are called tsukemono.

They are mystery—
sharp, foreign
and unyielding in repose
on the Japanese pickle plate.

The half sour dill
highly favored in Brooklyn
and Manhattan
is a friendly pickle.

Bright green and vibrant
you will smile
when you taste one.




















“The successful candidate
will demonstrate
a pioneering vision
and a collaborative spirit.”


Pickle Jar

The cucumber is suspended
in its bath of brine
indolent and numb
unaware of current events,

unaware of the long term
effects of turmeric, vinegar
and dill.

The pickle has a yellowish
view of the world
which suits me
just fine.




















“The successful candidate for this position
will be working with individuals
who have been with the company
for a long time.”


Pickle Day

On International Pickle Day
let us remember Aristotle
who munched them,

Cleopatra, ever radiant
dined on them.

Napoleon insisted on them
for his troops
and offered large rewards
for improvements
in the canning process.

Einstein claimed that
Kosher dills
brought clarity

and you know how that
worked out for him.




















“The successful candidate
has been found.
Thank you for your interest
in this position.”


Vats & Barrels

I move among the vats
and barrels
like the tympanist
in the Philharmonic,

secure in my knowledge
of brine and fermentation.
A natural.

Turmeric and dill
fill the air
and rows of wooden barrels
glow golden
in the evening light.

Second shift
at the pickle works
is calm and quiet
and on my breaks
I read the trade magazines.

I sit back and listen
to the gurgle
from the vats and barrels
and sample a dill
from vat #12.




















Pickle Haiku

Factory

The happy chatter
of the multi blade machine
slicing cucumbers

Delicatessen

Lunch at the deli–
a half sour dill on the side
so green and happy

Grocery Store

Shelves lined with bright jars
gherkin, dill and bread and butter–
which one for me?