“This is the miracle that happens every time to those who really love: the more they give, the more they possess.” – Rainer Maria Rilke
Poetry
Bones
Although I wrote this poem December 4 and had made a few edits, I intended to tighten it up further and submit it before the deadline to children’s book author David Harrison’s blog. He has a poetry contest each month, writing to a specific topic. December’s was “Bones.” I’m guessing with the holidays, my intentions got lost in the shuffle as I missed the deadline, so I’m posting it here. If interested, David’s topic for January is “Time.”
BONES
In violet, indigo and dusky blue,
they shadow their bones
across silver snow
in the sharp morning sun.
They bare their essence
and nod in silence
to admiring passersby.
Standing tall
in their most primitive selves
they are visions
of grace and pride.
I am Oak.
I am Ash.
I am Poplar.
Soon enough
Spring will come
cloaking their branches in
effusive greens,
in camouflage,
and playful disarray.
But for winter …
I am my bones.
Jeanne Balsam
December 2009
Zombie Delight
The Epicurean Z
You ask what makes my culinary bell ring?
I’ll tell you, dear friends, it’s only one thing.
Fingers!
With garlic and butter in a delicate sauté,
Or toss with linguine and a sauce de Mornay.
Cut thin and layered for a scalloped delight,
Or simmer in red sauce … it’s Italian tonight!
Chopped and toasted gives salads a crunch,
Or slice thin on rye for a delectable lunch.
Breaded and deep-fried, tartar sauce on the side,
With brainslaw, you’ll think you went to heaven and died!
Thumbs work best in a rich brown stew,
Or slather with honey on the barbecue.
Now when baking, you’ll want to remove all the nails,
Smooth texture’s a must or the recipe fails.
Chop and add raisins, for a great autumn pie,
Puree as ganache for a torte layers high.
Arrange young fingers with a tart lemon mousse,
Or serve them with custard for a fab Charlotte Russe.
(Well, where did you think they got the idea of ladyfingers from?)
Studded in ice cream with a fudge sauce that’s hot,
Can fingers be more flexible? I really think not!
They’re suited for dinners, or occasions quite grand,
But if in a rush, eat `em right off the hand!
Ready to cook? To scramble or bake?
Pick up Zombie Gourmet – turn to page forty-eight.
© Jeanne Balsam, 2009
Still A Dreamer 