“Love is Found in the Kitchen,” a poem by Januarie York, is the first in a series where Mirror Indy pairs poets and restaurants to capture the heart and soul of beloved food places. This one is an ode to beloved Indianapolis diner Just Judy’s.
Love is Found in the Kitchen
by Januarie York
Remember diners?
Usually not too big, but always crowded
Where a seat at the bar would send you through a journey of watching eggs be cooked in every way possible,
With hands that can break shells between fingers without busting the yolk
Where jokes and top headlines are shared between the staff and the customer,
Where it’s just enough of us in the room making the energy feel wholesome.
Leave the TV on mute,
Order the special of the day off the white board,
Written with swirly letters and a smiley face.
Love is found lingering in the hearts of remembrance,
Knowing Ms Shirley wants her coffee black and Mr. King will be reading his newspaper,
So go ahead and make him a Judy’s Plate and don’t forget to add extra gravy to his biscuits.
Love is found in the kitchen
In these family-ran, pockets of uniqueness,
That don’t fall into brunch traps
Where the mixing of pots and pans bring together the relationship between
Food,
and plates,
Hungry stomachs and cooked-to-order waits,
The chef can hear the bells ringing new regulars through the door,
Outside diners can taste the smells, making them want to order even more
The service is friendly,
Impressively priced,
and always delicious
And the fact that everyone is always nice
In a time where everything seems so nasty and mean-spirited,
It's the type of place that gives you more than nutrition, It gives you comfort
A spot to pause
Catch up with old friends
Or bring your family in
You can even leave accidentally leave your debit card there,
They gon’ hold it for you
Ask me how I know …
It's down home in Just Judy’s family restaurant
And it can be exactly what the day is missing,
With a nostalgic reminder of going to diners,
Where love is always found,
In the kitchen.
About the poet
Januarie York is a freelance writer, published author and poet, as well as the Center for Black Literature and Culture’s first poet laureate. In addition to performing original works, she has produced her own spoken word theatrical shows that focus on uplifting and inspiring women. She has an MBA in positive psychology and her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
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