Medium rare
the blood
and fat
from the sirloin
stains the wooden cutting board.
the muscle
of the cow
rests for one last time.
the remains were massaged
and rubbed
with good salt
and some old black pepper.
i press the flesh,
just to check the firmness
of this animal’s death.
i lick the juice of the meat
off my right index finger,
just as it feels safe
to reach for the knife.