Listening to the pattering of winter rain

then looking at the tiny glass jar,

savouring the moment of its opening.

Remembering on hot summer nights

caressing the pretty basil leaves

and the aromatic scent long remaining 

 

Then recalling the careful preparation,

the beautiful green leaf mound

perfuming the whole kitchen.

The sweet resiny taste of pine-nuts,

greenish gloss of olive oil,

the sharp tang of pecorino cheese

with mini crystals of cooking salt.

 

Screw off the lid, expectantly,

and the pungent odour of pesto

swirls up from the kitchen table

like the genie from Aladdin's lamp

evoking the joys of summer.