Eavesdropping in the produce section,
I overheard an Asian grandmother
and her grand-daughter discussing
how to julienne carrots for stir-fry.

She said that this careful cutting
takes time, but the vegetable
remains firm and crisp
in the prepared dish,

It will not cook away too much
Or soften in harsh heat

Another day, I walked past two men.
The elder man,
was explaining carciofi
to the younger man, a teen,
and how the artichoke
should be carefully prepared.

Strip away
the rough exterior leaves,
to reveal the soft, white interior for cooking.

The substance lies on the inside.

Different cultures.
Different foods.
Elders instructing the young,
there is significance to preparation.