"Writer's Stew"

This poem was written for an anthology on cookery published by the Ontario Poetry Society. My poem , "A Cake", was chosen for inclusion instead.

WRITER'S STEW

On the check-out line conveyor

she puts parsnips for their flavour,

for, without a sweetish touch,

critics will not like it much.

Chicken cubes? A protein note?

Saltiness may lose the vote

of the editors' committee.

Will these pundits say, "Too gritty."

Boring 'taters' must be peeled.

Should a writer wait to feel

inspired, or put in the hours?

Florets make up cauliflowers.

Onions, now. Their odour clings.

Cutting them, an insight brings.

Slice of life in every layer.

Tearful secrets hidden there.

Piquant, with its lacy leaves,

celery hints, withholds, deceives.

Add the carrots. Choose pre-washed.

Take a short-cut. Now the squash.

Picking up her shopping bags

she walks tall - no shoulder sags.

All together, her ingredients

blend into a work of genius.

(c) Ruth Latta, 2020