A Plate of Rispetto

Just as I watch your fork wind little strings of spaghetti,
My thoughts unravel on my too-full mental plate
Of how to compose lines like Ferlinghetti
Or how to twine wisps of words, confused and inchoate.

How does one season a bland lyrical repast?
In time your tomato-y dinner wanes; these lines will outlast
Your stringy feast before you.  I need some hint
To make this last line like your after-dinner mint!