One Precious Cookie – Poem by Mark Tulin

A poem about mindfulness and a tribute to Thich Nhat Hanh. One Precious Cookie was first published in the now defunct Vita Brevis Press. 

One Precious Cookie by Mark Tulin

Brother Thay hands me an oatmeal cookie
and tells me to eat it slowly, savor each bite
because it is more than just a cookie;
it is a beautiful experience I’m about to undertake.

He stops me before taking a hasty bite;
implores me to look at the cookie for a moment:
to feel its texture, inhale its scent;
to look at the sweet food more deeply.

He takes me through a mindful trip
through wheat fields, farms where hens
lay eggs, sugar canes, grapes picked,
raisins harvested and prepared.

He takes me to kitchens
where the bakers heat the ovens;
where they wrap the cookies in small packages
and ship to supermarkets
and convenience stores.

Brother Thay takes me to a place where no one goes,
to the point of appreciation.
I take my first bite.
I am grateful
for the one precious cookie in my hand.