Dear Burritos:

You are, quite possibly, the purest possible proof that creation is fundamentally good that has ever existed. Delicious, soul-cleansing packets of pure delight, you are a healthy, hearty meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day, in community or solitude, joy or heartache. With only minimal thought, you welcome any ingredients that seek shelter in the warm embrace of your tortilla.

Beans and rice, tried and true staple of cultures across the globe provide a wholesome and energizing base for the experience. Sauces that boggle the mind and tantalize the senses, ranging from chunky to creamy, from spicy to sweet to tart, accentuate all facets of your being. Vegetables, whether mundane or exotic can be accommodated with the slightest effort. Meats of any and all varieties, be they braised, roasted, or grilled, act as the star of the show for some, but they are far from necessary amidst your bounty. Dairy and even eggs have their place in your construction. Truly, no ingredient is beyond your grasp, as is no beating heart.

You do not care if we devour you ravenously with our bare hands, forgoing even a plate, or if we smother you with oozing cheeses or chili sauces before thoughtfully picking you apart with a fork. You can be bought wholesale, prepackaged in supermarkets or lovingly and painstakingly prepared by hand. You can be found in restaurants ranging from the mass-market to the artisanal. Even sidewalk vendors and food trucks know the joy you provide the masses. On hot days, you bring us refreshment, and on cool days, you transport us to a sunnier place.

I know we haven't been together in several days, burritos, but we will be again soon. And, on that day, you will remind me what it is to live.