Voortman Windmill Cookies
have nothing to do with Don Quixote,
and everything to do with my grandma;
her favorite cookie, full of spice and almonds.
Their aroma saturates her pantry, with notes
of ripe pie apples joining the chorus.
I munch hot dogs slathered with spicy mustard.
My mom, grandma and I cluster
around grandma’s chrome and formica
dinette set. Gossip and laughter arc
between them. I just chew and listen, because
grandma’s hot dogs taste the best. They save
their appetites for the cookies. I would
prefer chocolate chip, but I eat a few
Windmills, anyway, as a show of solidarity.
Of course, now, it would just be me, sitting
around that table. And I would be worrying
about the nitrites and MSG additives
in the hot dogs, and too many carbs in the bun.
And, it’s hard to find the Windmill cookies
these days, just like it’s hard to recreate
a moment in time.
9 thoughts on "Voortman Windmill Cookies"
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Yes. Exactly.
The very best cookies! <3
Omg!! My paternal grandmother!!
They werr always perfect with ice cream!!
Last line sings.
I remember those cookies!! We always had them around the house. Great opening lines, Kathleen. Good memories.
“mustard/cluster” I really like that rhyming juxtaposition for whatever reason. I have a very mild and common form of synesthesia where I immediately associate certain color with letters and the look of that, likewise, is wonderful juxtaposition. Thank you.
I can smell the cookies and taste the mustard and feel what’s passing between mom and grandma and you. Very nice.
What a great remembrance.
Last stanza a great turn, and I am right there with you!
Vortmann still makes cookies—they have them at value market on Bardstown rd I. Louisville. I used to buy all the time but then all that bad palm oil. But what I really want to say is I like your poem do much. Reminded it me of going to my Nana’s with my mom and they have both passed on. It is so true —grandmothers can even make a regular hot dog taste amazing! Thanks for reminding me of my matriarchs!