Charlotte Russe

In the weeds eating treats

 

Charlotte Russe

 

 

Near the edge of Green Frog Marsh, where wild rushes do grow 

Lives a thick spray of blue iris, where in March there is snow.

 

Off in the distance, well across the great pond

I could just make out a figure, through thin reeds and broad fronds.

 

All about his business and busy was he

Too busy to be bothered by attending to me.

 

As it happened that Spring day I just happened by

To find young Master Hopkins slicing what looked like a pie.

 

"Dear boy," I did sing.  "What have you there?"

"Is it a meringue, a fruit tart, perhaps an eclair?"

 

He did not at all answer, while humming a soft happy tune,

Then continued the labor of lifting his bright silver spoon.

 

Well silence be silenced!  I certainly shall not be distanced this way.

I shall find my way right round the pond... then what will he say.

 

I too hunger, but slightly, for some sweet truffle or jam;

Let the old men with whiskers eat their sausage and ham.

"Young man, young man, do you still not hear?

I am practically pouring my words in your ear!"

 

Still no response and happy as ever

His mouth but a vacuum, his arm but a lever.

 

His cheeks puffed with pastry and bursting with jelly

He mumbled some crumbs, then wiped his hands on his belly.

 

"Young man!" I declared.  "Look at your shirt!

You're all covered with puddings and sweet luscious dessert."

 

"Please, come join me," said he with a saccharine laugh.

"I'll give you the pleasure of cutting Charlotte Russe in half."

 

I gazed at the perfect pastry aglow on its plate

Without even trying... it was much more lovely than any I've ate.

 

At first I refused, then at last, refused to refrain;

With a hesitant hand I did cut dear Charlotte in twain.

 

He looked East to West, and I North to South

Then we each put sweet Charlotte inside of our mouths.

 

A pudding indeed!  A pudding divine, a pudding unquestionably delectably supreme!

A sweet bread and fruit pudding filled with luscious whipped cream.

 

Charlotte, oh Charlotte, you are heaven unto heaven's bright eye.

You are the Grand Queen of all ambrosial cakes, custards, and pies.

 

© David L. Nelson 2006 Focus Fine Arts & Ironworks Publishing

 

Reviews

[ScaryTrees]

I love this piece man
This is wonderful:


His cheeks puffed with pastry and bursting with jelly

He mumbled some crumbs, then wiped his hands on his belly.



"Young man!" I declared. "Look at your shirt!

You're all covered with puddings and sweet luscious dessert."


This read like a classic
Nice Write