Notes About The Poem

For the Cheese Wars contest by Matt Caliri.

 

Cheese Wars

I followed milky and mouldy scents,
down cobbled and narrow paths,
only to see it riddled with rats,
feasting on Feta and Camembert,
whilst the wine sipping Uppers prepared to
clash against the cider swigging downers!

The Fromage Frenzy and Curd Craze deli.
across from the Dizzy Duck and the Boastful Bard taverns
had been ransacked with only cracker crumbs on the floor.
All the cheesemongers were hiding in their basements.
All the landlords locked away in their cellars!
Bar stools dripping with Chardonnay and Merlot,
carpets soaked in 'Scrumpy Jack' and 'Strongbow.'

It was utter chaos as the 'cheese shed' raged on...

The goats and the cows watched,
as the town folk gathered on either side.
Anger in their eyes, yelling insults like;

'Cheap cheddar gobblers' and 'stinky Stilton munchers.' 

This was not cultural tensions,
nor issues with tariffs, quotas or labelling practises-
this was a war of the social classes!
They were not fighting with fists or weapons,
oh no, no no..

The Downers started squirting stinky cheese sauce,
drenching the Uppers with its reeking stench.
However, when the Uppers started hurling
Storico and Caciocavallo Podolico, 
back at the Downers, they simply, 
started consuming it with their cider!

Both fractions kept pelting and sprinkling,
until little Joey from the farm,
reminded them the football had started,
so off they plodded to watch the game,
singing and laughing together,
arm in arm, munching on cheese
they had salvaged from their skirmish.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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George Avatar
February 1, 2025 at 3:28 PM
"Cheap cheddar gobblers' and 'stinky Stilton munchers." I love how this piece captures the absurdity and beauty of human behavior, turning a food fight into a reflection on how our differences, when put in perspective, can often fade away in the face of common ground. It’s a light-hearted yet profound take on societal conflicts and reconciliation. The playful language and pacing make it a fun read while still conveying a deeper message. Great work!
George Avatar
February 1, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Congratulations on your win.
Dietrich Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 5:52 AM
Methinks Matt must be a Brit. I have never figured out how to write something he likes, but I see the poets using lots of images related to England are doing quite well in this contest. I enjoyed your colorful cheese poem, S.O. congrats on a great win.
Jones Avatar
September 2, 2024 at 4:54 PM
Congratulations on your top win Silent One!
Goldsmith Avatar
September 2, 2024 at 9:04 AM
Congratulations on your win. I love cheese/love your "Cheese Wars" write. So creative/fun to read. Have a day filled with cheese/fun as you write away.....................
Dutta Avatar
September 1, 2024 at 9:12 PM
Cheesy : Easy to charm. Big Congrats to winTOP. Blessings.
Caliri Avatar
September 1, 2024 at 3:38 PM
Fantastic work claiming first prize in my contest! You had by far the cheesiest of poems!
Parker Avatar
August 21, 2024 at 12:38 PM
a profound philosophical pronouncement presented by the poet about human folly...good luck
Rodgers Avatar
August 21, 2024 at 5:11 AM
Dear Silent One, I could feel the deep philosophical pondering after reading your poem. In a way, it is like Camus wrote this poem because he would say that the world is trivial and we set up all these classes and labels but in reality, it is absurd. We should just be humans because we share human endeavors, no matter the label or class, as your poem so eloquently displays. Good Luck in the contest! Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
Slaughter Avatar
August 20, 2024 at 10:40 AM
Well, I don't think "cheese" is worth going to war over, but I did enjoy this bit of "fromagery". And I even learned a couple of new ones. I'm usually a Cheddar guy, myself...medium sharp, extra sharp, and Colby/jack. BOL in the contest, also, S O.
Hind Avatar
August 20, 2024 at 9:24 AM
HA! This is interesting...can't imagine life without cheese, lol- great job
Buhagiar Avatar
August 19, 2024 at 10:57 PM
Quite a fun poem. I love cheese, but I stick to a Maltese cheeselet with little fat.
Empress Avatar
August 19, 2024 at 12:52 PM
Dear silent one, wow! This is brilliant what youv done with such creative wordplay that fits the theme of cheese war. As someone that hates cheese i felt like i was tasting cheese as i read this, but it gave a beautiful taste that has so many deep flavors to it than the regular one. And how youv written especially “ this was a war of the social classes! They were not fighting with fists or weapons” thats a powerful line, as i see this happening in many places today too. And i must also highlight the alliterations and sumptuous diction that enhances the depth of what youv conveyed here! And the ending has a deeper meaning too, that amidst the differences there are somethings that keeps so many united in this world. And find togetherness in sharig what they are passionate about! Powerful poem! So well delivered! Best wishes! Im inspired
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