Culinary Journey

Filled with anticipation
I leap from my car to the bakery door
Already tasting the pain au chocolate.

Crumbling, buttery flakes
Melt away to deep rich dark chocolate
Absolute bliss in each savored bite,
Taking me back to breakfast in St. Malo
Stepping on medieval stones in narrow alleys
The sea beckoning below its ancient walls

Another slow, languorous nibble
Evokes visions of chateaux on the Loire
Vineyards, gardens, gold molding –
So rococo it hurts the eyes to take it in
The scent of land seen, touched, tasted
And longed for

Satiated and spent,
Empty paper in my curled hands
I marvel at the powers of pastry
And know I shall return again
For another delicious trip