coconut tapioca

those sometimes indelicate
delicacies served to
sick children
tempting them
to take some sustenance
warm tapioca pudding
now too sweet
lactose rich
we adjust things
a ritual of soaking
pearl tapioca overnight
draining it in the morning
mixing the coconut milk
with the egg yolks
and cinnamon
cook delicately
until it begins
to boil
carefully whisk in
sweetened
stiffly beaten egg whites
and vanilla
serve in a pretty bowl
with a small spoon
and the cosseting is complete

© 2010 Sandy Vrooman