I learned from my father how to chop vegetables

to dice onions, to julienne carrots.

Organized in tiny mounds on the orange cutting board.

I learned to boil water,

simmer sauce, and sear meat.

I was taught family recipes and secret ingredients.

The proper way to form matzo balls, the correct way to

grate potatoes and onions for latkes.

A self taught chef,

dancing around and teaching me

to love what I make,

and always salt and pepper everything.

I learned from my father how to pull the trigger,

line myself up with the target.

How to throw a punch and

with one swift motion,

feed my enemy the most pain with

the least amount of effort.

I learned to prepare for the worst,

store food, water and

keep every entrance locked.

I learned from my father to plan meticulously,

every second of everyday.

Whether we were exploring or just wandering.  

To love the outdoors, talk to everyone no matter

where they’re from or what they look like.

I learned to joke around or my life with be like

a can of spam. But always be able to be like a statue.