Food Poetry | Poetry Prompt | Free Verse
Egg — And the Way a Boy Charms a Girl
What food do you like to eat with rice?
“Hey, Wesley, I have a question,” I say, waving my iPhone in the air. “Yes, what is it, Geema,” he addresses his Lego, not me. “Well actually it’s a question from Lucy - she needs your help, you see.” “Who’s Lucy?” enquires the dear boy, switching tyres on his red Ferrari. I tell him Lucy is lovely — really nice - and she asks lots of questions about food “Lucy needs your help with this one.” I look down at my phone and read - “What foods do you like to eat with rice?” While rummaging for a headlight, Lego Man responds instantly, “Egg.” “I knew it,” I laugh gleefully, “You know what, Wesley,” I say, “You and Lucy are made for each other – you’re both crazy about anything eggy.” Wesley looks at me oddly then returns to the tub of Leggy - I mean — Legos that are spread all over the floor. I busy myself in the kitchen and let a few minutes go by before I re-ask leggy Wesley the question, “What foods do you like to eat with rice?” By this stage he’s standing, a black Lamborghini in his hand his adorable face turns to me with a look of surprise and concern his eyes speak the words ‘Oh Geema, don’t tell me you’re demented!’ while his teeth bite his tongue to abut ‘I’ve already told you.’ In a split second or less he’s suppressed his redress so he lets his lips part and out comes one word stamped firmly with the adamancy of a life-long lover of le œuf, “EGG” and a look that says, ‘Don’t ask me again, I’m Wesley, the EGGspert and you knew the answer all along!’ So after all that, what else can I say but, “This one’s for you, Lucy!!”
© Carolyn Hastings 2021
He’s not even four years old and he’s already figured out the best way to a girl’s heart is by having her believe she’s always right!! He will have won over Lucy The Eggcademic (she/her) without even knowing her simply by professing his love for le œufs! What a charmer!
Apologies if my grandson has upstaged this food poetry prompt but for those of you prepared to run the gauntlet, here’s the link to the prompt guidelines.
I call on the fearless, bold and hearty to give it their best shot — Terry Mansfield, Greg Prince, Mil H., Dr. Preeti Singh, Dennett, and Caroline de Braganza.
