Bake Day Beth

(a blessing or a curse)

our kitchen smiles when
Beth has a blitz on baking
whether it’s bread
biscuits or cakes
or some other experiment
in the making

an aroma permeates
that’s positively scrumptious
while the finished product
has us drooling and asking
for more

be sure not to notice
the chaos left in her wake
for goodness sake
comes later in the day
with clearing

is there a single utensil
left untouched
or a bowl or pan clean
of ingredients or
left over cooking

well is there

Reviews

[Ken e Bujold]

ah yes chris. almost as if sent from the angels this poem. ten yrs ago to the day my maternal grandmother passed. No one could bake like her. Fridays were her day of wonders. Pies, tarts, cakes, homemade bread. A day of gathering. Even in adulthood, all her grandchildren knew Friday was the day to visit. Sometimes thought the only reason we kept in touch was because of her call to our stomachs. This beautiful poem lightens an otherwise dark-tinged day of memory.

Ken

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Ken, I am so pleased that this poem lightened a dark tinged day of memory for you. Anniversaries can be difficult. Pleased you visited and were reminded of your beloved grandmother and her wonderful baking. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Vol]

Chris,
Always and forever... Leftover mess reflected in a mirror of happy memories.
Vol

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Vol. Yummy baking, happy memories and the mess always gets cleaned up:) Hope you are having a grand weekend. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[Vol]

Our kitchen and livingroom are one great space, so the smells are everywhere, the sounds of clattering utensils, and the temptation to sneak a taste as well

[Stuart Munro]

Baking never done it , but my mummy let me lick the bowl
And my tongue lost its innocence , I became a food pervert
Salivating at any baking , that appeared , then I had dietary psychiatry
Now I’m ok , Thankyou Doctor Bifocals. I love your poetry Chris , this brings my youth back

[Chris Shaw]

Forgive my late response Stuart. I thought I had replied to this one. Got lost in the ether. You know that comment about loving my poetry has just made my day again. Be sure to have a good bank holiday. Hope health wise you are climbing the scales. Big thank yous.

Chris

[Stuart Munro]

Hi Chris
,thanks , you have a nice bank holiday too , I’m feeling ok , no chemo for three weeks , my consultant said I needed a rest , Pleased you liked my comment , this site there’s only you and Betty , who read my stuff lol, but that’s poetry folks 😂

[Andrew John]

Ah, loved this. I can smell the cooking! Thank you. Don't know whether you saw my "A Rubbing of Hands" on here in April. I was in a kitchen there as a small boy, and they were the same aunts (yes, I did have Elsie, Lucy and Olive as aunts) who were talking in "Coronation for a King", which got a rather nice comment from your good self.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for the lovely review. I’ll go back and check on your earlier posting Andrew, tomorrow.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

That's what memories are made of Chris .... days like that .

I have a photo of my son sitting on the worktop licking out a bowl he had been mixing a bun mixture in age 6.... I also have a photo of his daughter age 6 sitting in the exact same place also licking out a bowl she had been mixing bun mixture in.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stella for sharing your own lovely memories. Gold dust aren’t they. Have a great Wednesday. Rainy here, and lots of it.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

Good morning Chris , a lovely day here in Yorkshire but a bit chilly.
Yes making memories is wonderful and to share them is wonderful also ..

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Stella, late checking in. A busy day today. Nice weather too. Take care.

[Stella Armour]

been nice here too, not too warm but pleasant

[Relic]

There are times when a little chaos in the kitchen is a good thing. It's a bookmark for future reference when you want a laugh. :)

Nice one, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Many Thanks Tim, I appreciate your visit. Good to see you again.

Chris

[Ken Simm.]

Suc a cosy description of family life. This was so delicious as a poem. A lovely righ piece with no side on it. Gorgeous.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ken. Just a little bit of home life. Pleased you enjoyed it. Have a happy Tuesday.
read moreMany thanks Ken. Just a little bit of home life. Pleased you enjoyed it. Have a happy Tuesday.

Chris

[Soyam]

Why it's too relatable ... in our home, it's none other then me, who do all this mess while cooking, �™ n my mom was like 🤯🤯🤯...

Just nostalgia.... really enjoyed.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Soyam, so pleased that this poem about our Beth is relatable. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.

Chris

[E.P. Robles]

In this poem, the Poet beautifully captures the vibrant atmosphere of a kitchen when Beth engages in a flurry of baking activities.

The poet's language and imagery evoke a sense of joy, anticipation, and sensory pleasure associated with Beth's culinary endeavors.

The poem begins by personifying the kitchen, describing it as "smiling" when Beth embarks on her baking blitz. This personification imbues the kitchen with a sense of liveliness and sets the tone for the poem, suggesting a harmonious relationship between the cook and her surroundings.

The poet acknowledges Beth's versatility as a baker, noting that she is adept at creating various baked goods, whether it be bread, biscuits, cakes, or other experimental treats. This highlights Beth's adventurous spirit and her willingness to explore different culinary avenues. The poet's use of enjambment and concise phrases gives the poem a lively and rhythmic quality, reflecting the energetic nature of Beth's baking.

A key element in the poem is the description of the captivating aroma that permeates the kitchen. The poet emphasizes that the aroma is "positively scrumptious," capturing the irresistible and mouthwatering nature of the scents that fill the air. This sensory detail adds depth to the poem, evoking a sense of desire and anticipation within the reader.

The poem also touches upon the enjoyment derived from the finished product. The poet uses the words "drooling" and "asking for more" to convey the irresistible appeal and satisfaction that Beth's creations bring. This portrays Beth as a skilled and accomplished baker, capable of producing delectable treats that leave people longing for additional indulgence.

Furthermore, the poet draws attention to the untidy aftermath left by Beth's baking frenzy. The chaos and mess are mentioned, but the poet advises not to notice it, indicating a sense of understanding and acceptance. The poet acknowledges that cleaning and order will come later, but for now, the focus remains on the pleasure and delight brought forth by the baking process.

The poem concludes with a series of rhetorical questions, reinforcing the idea of the kitchen being in a state of disarray. The repetition of "is there" emphasizes the pervasive presence of utensils, bowls, pans, and remnants of ingredients, emphasizing the all-encompassing nature of Beth's baking activities. This rhetorical device engages the reader, encouraging them to imagine the extent of the mess and the dedication required in pursuing culinary artistry.

As a Poet, the author skillfully crafts a poem that celebrates the art of baking, portraying it as a joyful and sensory experience. Through vibrant imagery, rhythmic language, and attention to detail, the poem captures the essence of Beth's bustling kitchen, the delectable aromas, and the mess left behind, creating a vivid and engaging piece of poetry.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much EP for your comprehensive review. I read both my poem out and the review you left to our Beth. She was thrilled.

Chris

[E.P. Robles]

It's great! I am so happy there are others who love poetry as me! It makes the world smaller and that much more warm. Thank you thank you!

[Relic]

If I can make a suggestion. Your comment is very well done and obviously comes from an intelligent mind...however...I would suggest looking at poems from more of an emotional standpoint and how it makes you feel rather from a robotic detailed observation. Just my thoughts...write on. :)

[E.P. Robles]

Yes, yes. Of course. At times I feel detached. Especially when reading other's poems. I have always been afraid of absorbing the talent of others. Is why I didn't start reading Shakespeare until a couple of years ago.