Our Tomato poets cover a gamut of emotions. Nicole Freezer Ruben’s “Redemptions Dinner” explores reconciliation and the complexities of long-standing friendships. Carol Ostrow’s “Simple Pleasures” humorously reflects on love and the desire for companionship. “Believe” by Madlyn Epstein Steinhart touches on themes of resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of authenticity. “It’s Time” by Stephanie Sloane is a reflective piece about heeding one’s inner call for change and the courage to embrace new beginnings.

Redemption Dinner

If we did not stop and think

my bulging wall

would have encased

and imprisoned me beyond repair

in this fresh wreckage.

Too much silence was passing,

echoing loudly in the gradually darkening corridor

of our 40 year friendship.

I lit the match and right before

it almost burned my finger,

texted and invited you out

to celebrate your birthday

2 months late, and to talk.

We decided to meet

at a new pizza place

that accepts everything spices

sprinkled over a cream cheese sauce,

as a slice.

We raised negronis on tap

and I started by declaring

there was no other option

but to figure out

how to remain friends.

“I think you see me as a walking reminder of your depression

and it must be hard to be with me.”

I told him that 6 years is a small sliver

of a precious connection

in our long history,

hardly the whole story,

and that his fog

was interesting to me.

He denied that,

but I’m guessing it’s a piece

of the gazillion piece jigsaw

that we began at 15,

and will hopefully one day, complete.

As we pulled the cheesy sectors onto our plates

and turned over a few more jagged parts,

making new connections.

some volume began to return.

By the time we got to dessert

and the redemption song

to the tune of happy birthday was sung,

a faint new image

began to take shape.

He blew out his candle

and I made a wish

for the ever-changing

image on the box top

to become clear,

signaling that we’d eventually be ok.

~Nicole Freezer Rubens, “The Long Pause and the Short Breath”

Simple Pleasures

Love, it seems, is all around,

Even though I have not found,

The one!

Of course there have been a series of three,

Who were brave enough to marry me,

But now, the last one left me free,

All alone to simply be,

A woman, a person, to live and enjoy,

But all I want is a cute boy toy,

You know what I mean!

To bring me breakfast on a tray,

To do nice things for me each day,

To understand whatever I say,

Even when I refuse to play,

Any games, or call him nasty names,

When I want to be left alone,

You know what,

I’m living in a bubble,

A relationship is too much trouble.

Living alone is just fine.

~Carol Ostrow, author, “Poems from My Pandemic Pen”

Believe

~Madlyn Epstein Steinhart, author “Put Your Boots on in the Rain” and “Beautiful Heart”

It’s Time

My instincts always tell me

When it’s time to make a move

Be it career or living

They’re screaming now

New York City is calling me

For three plus years

Living has been in the country

A move I needed to make

A good move

A good three years

Not ready to give that all up

But wouldn’t it also be good

To have a base from which to see old friends

Left behind but not forgotten

A haven to call my own

Never know unless I try

It’s time

~Stephanie Sloane, author “Dear Me”