Janice Canerdy Verse-Virtual 2016 September

September 2016

I am a retired high-school English teacher from Potts Camp, Mississippi. Life in general and my grandchildren in particular inspire me to write. I especially enjoy writing—and reading—rhymed, metered poetry and mourn its near-demise. I get a real charge out of parodying the famous poems I taught my students—while keeping a perfectly straight face and assuring them that studying such noble literature would greatly enhance their lives. I stay busy with a variety of activities at home and church.

Salad Days

When I'm in bad-girl mode, I eat
too much or make selections that
folks who love living should avoid,
sweet foods chock-full of salt and fat.

A good-girl dish I have at least
four times a week—it's really great—
I recommend to V-V friends,
their gnawing hunger to abate.

I start with spinach, fresh and crisp
spread on a full-sized dinner plate.
I add my diced, grilled chicken breast.
I want it then, but I must wait!

Strawberries (sliced), dried cranberries,
a bit of onion--red is best—
I place atop my masterpiece.
But wait--it's not yet fully dressed.

The cruel label says to use
two tablespoons--a little dab.
I do use more. Lite ranch is best
to make this salad simply fab!

Sometimes I substitute albacore tuna for chicken and add sunflower seeds.

Editor's Note: If this poem(s) moves you please consider writing to the author (email address above) to tell him or her. You might say what it is about the poem that moves you. Writing to the author is the beginning of community at Verse Virtual. It is very important. -FF