Megan Blaney

Stuffed Peppers

I slice the peppers

horizontally,

the way you like them.

 

Stuff them with turkey,

tomato sauce, rice,

and spices

(secret).

 

A little cheese on top,

then the oven—

375 for forty-five minutes.

 

No, this isn’t a recipe card.

 

I know you love stuffed peppers

and I can’t wait to—

 

Wait.

What’s this text?

 

Of course.

 

The timer chirps.

I pull them out.

 

I set one pepper

dead center on the plate,

wipe the sauce from the rim,

presentation still matters.

 

Steam curls up.

 

I eat standing at the counter.

The other plate stays clean.