An Ode To Salt

Born of Huangdi legend, shaping the world from big bangs of

Unstable combustible metal and deadly poisonous gas

Symbol of wealth, loyalty, friendship, and love

Keeper of covenants crystalized in elaborate cellars of glass.

***

Lot’s wife, turned pillar of salt, would soon face a double shame

Compared to a whole city, Taghaza, a work camp built of the same

But even this city of salt becomes eclipsed by the moon

Of majestical underground sites of salt chandeliers carved above a lagoon.

***

Worth your own salt in words and phrases myriad as the colors you display

Morphing shape for enhancing taste, pickling, curing, and preserving

Controlled by church and state, keeping evil spirits at bay

Monopolized and democratized, of mighty praise you are deserving.