Love Poem: The Carcass
Ann Foster Avatar
Written by: Ann Foster

The Carcass

The Carcass

The best part of the meal, 
the bones, the things others throw away. 
The wingtips, the neck, the gizzard, the lizard...
a fowl needs to be cooked and stewed. 

A bit of broth, a giant onion, scallions if you have them. 
Carrots because they are bright orange...
Celery, long stalks, and short, 
for the picky and tough eaters.

Simmer and boil, worth the effort, 
like friendship and the kitchen sink. 
It makes you question, 
"Why do good cooks have so many friends?"
The answer plain and apparent. 
They know how to roll dough and make bread. 
Both having nothing to do with money. 
Yet worth more than a fortune, 
to all that need to eat, 
all who are hungry. 

Chicken noodle, turkey steak, 
pork chops and wine in a cave, 
held by the rich, while the poor starved. 
Buying the votes of the country, 
(is it for sale? has it already been sold?)
while holding us/it hostage...
for the holidays. 

The New Year gives US(a) promises, 
maybe no one can keep. 
Black-eyed peas are sold out, 
at the store, 
in case you want more, 
than before. 
There will be less for all, 
if they change the law, 
and no president, 
will ever be free...
and for the people...
again.