back burners

Back burners are funny.

They're usually simmering the tastiest parts,

and usually left burning far too long,

scorching to an unrecognizable crisp

what could and should have been

a masterpiece.

But we stack up more and more layers

on our own back burners,

dropping incongruous ingredients into

inedible garish concoctions,

seasoned with a touch of despair

and paired with a dash of resignation.

What good can come from putting anything on the back burner?