Sometimes poets like to compare things. Often they write about the simple and familiar things of this world in order to alert the reader to new perspectives and possibilities. A thing that is familiar might be used to highlight a connection to something else...
And so, as I sat in my favourite Italian cafe, 'Il Piccolo,' writing in my notebook while sipping on a morning coffee, I began to ponder on the connection between the work of my friend, Joshua, the chef and me, the poet. This is what emerged...
A TASTE FOR POETRY
A poem for Joshua Noonan
The chef and the poet
are makers
The knife and the pen
The tools of their
creation
Each held deftly in
the hand
The chef adds a pinch
of pepper to season the soup
The poet adds a dash of word lightning to end the line
Each in their own
way,
Make splendid use
of ingredients
-herbs and spices
-rhythm and rhyme
Metaphor, simile
Sage and thyme
Flavour and tang
Infuse the mix
Juicy verbs fraternize
The source delights
Words spill across the page
With deliberate
intent
Sweet aromas mingle
Zesty ingredients impart flavour
Sweet aromas mingle
Zesty ingredients impart flavour
Plate and page
Reveal the magical outcomes
Reveal the magical outcomes
Of these creative pursuits
The chef and the poet
are makers.
Alan j Wright
Alan j Wright
Your poem is a lovely marinating of two creative pursuits! I love the sounds of
ReplyDeleteherbs and spices
rhythm and rhyme
metaphor, simile
sage and thyme
Love the use of the word marinating in your response Joyce. How appropriate...
DeleteGlad you also noticed the sound of certain words. We read with our ears as well as our eyes. Thank you for your feedback. Much appreciated.
What a delicious poem, Alan!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kimberly. What a tasty descriptor!
DeleteYes, your poem is filled with delicious observations in its comparisons. I especially liked the end: plate and page reveal the magical outcomes.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kay. I have been observing Joshua's work in the kitchen for many years. This made the task of 'making' the poem just that bit easier. The secret to successful cooking is the 'preparation.' I feel it's the same for poetry.
DeleteWhat a lovely blending of cooking and poetry writing. Thanks for adding this dash to our Poetry Friday soup!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sylvia. The poem was indeed a blending job. Glad you appreciated it.
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