Kitchen Magic (Poetry)

(This poem has just won the COOK Poetry Competition 2010.)


An aroma from the kitchen
slowly wafts around the house
the dog’s awake and sniffing
and the cat ignores the mouse
the kids have stopped their fighting
every hungry soul’s aware
of a scent that’s so inviting
spreading magic through the air.

Anticipation lights their faces
‘Dinner’s Ready!’ comes the call
there’s a scramble for their places
footsteps pounding down the hall
the suspense is truly thrilling
every taste bud fully primed
by the teasing perfume spilling
with its promise near-divine.

They’re all sitting to attention
by the time that Mum appears
flushed with culinary perfection
she has strived for all these years
then she serves each fragrant portion
with a modest sort of grin
(fingers crossed as a precaution
packets hidden in the bin!)

Mouths a-water, eyebrows raising
as Dad tries the gourmet sauce
‘It’s delicious! Quite amazing!
A creative tour de force!’
Tucking in like they were famished
‘til nothing’s left but plates to lick
every tender morsel vanished
disappearing double-quick.

Not a nibble for poor Rover
not a scrap for pussy’s bowl
not one crumb of food left over
every last bite swallowed whole.
Dad’s now full and asks the question
‘Where’d you learn to cook like that?’
Mum decides against confession
keeps the trick under her hat.