Hearing strange noises, I entered my kitchen
When I saw ‘namakdani’ flustered and sullen
The inmates, it complained, had cooked up quite a stir
Each one claiming its badge of honour
Anti-inflammatory turmeric swelled with pride
Immunity boosting red chilli glowered to deride
Minerals loaded cumins spluttered in equal glory
Cloves claimed credit for their pain-relieving story
Remedy for indigestion, gloated the seeds of carrom
Diuretic, ulcer healer, don’t forget the imperial cardamom
Antioxidant and versatile, asserted black pepper beads
For brain and heart health, none can beat us, concluded coriander seeds
The hitherto silent salt sprinkled in a hurry
Forget me and complain of a bland curry
Just then, the tongue intervened with a wise tone
Settled the dispute and made the spices feel at home
Your medley is vital in equal measure
Nutrition-packed, unique, each a treasure
You are a mini health stand in every household
To cook, to relish, to heal and to cure
Manpreet Chadha
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