Politics of the Italian Kitchen

Pasta should be al dente
No too well done, but not too 
undercooked. 
And your words, should be 
Written as you feel them, 
No exaggeration, but no 
Hiding them, for self-
Conscious tendencies. 

Fish shouldn't be coated with
Cheese, 
Its flavor, alone, is good. 
And your body, is 
Worthy, with or without 
Life's dangerous accessories
And material consumerism, I 
Promise.

Meat, doesn't need any extravagant 
Sauce, just maybe, pepper, salt, and olive oil
And the night, doesn't long
For too much, aside from 
Flavors of friendships, a pinch of
Insanity, and a drizzle of love.

When baking, you do not need 
Too much sugar, just 
Nonna's recipe for that cake.
And when living, you do not
Need too much ambition, 
Just remember where you 
Came from. 

And if all this results in
A frustrated mess in the kitchen, 
Remember that organization was
Never an Italian's strong suit.