Fermentation from
Latin: boil.
The experiment fails,
seal, pops—
jar, breaks—
Life.
On knees
around
spilled jar:
cabbage, carrot,
vinegar rising,
seeking
a more flavored life,
bigger jar,
not yet ready to be
opened.
Unlock bubbled heat,
decode time.
Try again.
Another batch
of kimchi.
Paula Kaufman writes from Washington D.C. Her work can be found in Quail Bell Magazine, What Rough Beast, Heartwood and other publications.