Jalapeños and Strawberry Jam

Jalapeños and Strawberry Jam

by: Manu Perinchery

Jalapeños and Strawberry Jam

I am from Indian spices,
from saffron and cardamom

I am from Texan herbs,
from cayenne and dry rub

I am from my messy granite kitchen
Always busy with a medley of smells, music, and fusion cuisines

I am from the allergen filled Cedars
I am from the gnarled and twisting Mangroves

I’m from lively music and dance,
The square dancing Texan and bharatanatyam Keralite

I’m from spiced food and intense pride,
From the beloved thalaserry biriyani and mouth melting brisket

From the greenery of God’s Own Country
From the pride of the Lone Star

From the tooth my grandfather ripped from me
From the car I was born in

I am from those moments…

I am from the South and from South India
I am the product of the two cultures

An unorthodox fusion
A nonsense combination
An amalgamation of insanity

I have lived in both worlds but neither were meant for me
For I am both worlds
I am Indian
I am Texan

I am the surprisingly delightful union of the two unlike things

I am Jalapeños and Strawberry Jam