Have you taken the time

to really talk to someone

about their story

over food?

Have you watched the ingredients

they put inside the skillet

and how every ingredient is a reminder

of something that happened in the past

something tried

something remembered

something not worth remembering

do you understand that those who have experienced more life

are older and wiser?

they don't need an audience to see their recipe

besides just a single individual

who is willing to learn

and listen

they aren't taking pictures 

or displaying messages 

or receiving emojis

what is humbling is standing

and talking and realizing

just how much we  (as a younger generation) don't know

about the ingredients of a lifetime

about the stirring together of time

gently warmed over a stove top

or just how much effort it takes

to feed a family

and to love

a home-cooked meal contains the intricacies of life

watch someone prepare a dish sometime

ask them questions

record their stories

learn to understand

love