Eat, Drink and Be Merry

'Six slices a day is the well balanced way'
the boffins back then told us all,
but now I'm not impressed, they say 'wholemeal is best,
and more healthy' their clarion call.
For a good spirit lifter, an evening snifter
was, we were told, good for the heart,
now they say fourteen units (down from twenty-one)
in a week keeps you safe, if you're smart.
'Drinka pinta milka day' the adverts said,
it's good for the teeth and the bones,
now 'half fat, low dairy' the choices are scary
I may well just leave them alone.
Our family had chips cooked in gallons of lard,
spread dripping and salt on our toast,
bacon ate with the rind, and no scraps left behind
gravy made with the juice from the roast.
We ate this sinful food with no qualms or remorse
and left the table feeling full,
 those boffins may be right but I think, with hindsight
that their lives must be terribly dull.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Laurie Avatar
September 5, 2018 at 7:16 PM
G'day Viv … I'm drooling! I'm drooling! Ah, when our tastebuds were delightfully salivated - and then food police stepped in with imitation cardboard on the menu - thanks Mate - Lindsay. PS: I was invited to a party once for eat, drink, and be merry. I found out when I got there it was, eat, drink, and be MARY.
Salehi Avatar
August 26, 2018 at 2:43 AM
Nicely done...
Godwin Avatar
August 25, 2018 at 9:15 PM
I'm glad you said all that you said in this poem because it captures many of my own thoughts to be delivered Viv-style. My Mom and all my friend's Moms kept bacon grease as a staple. Oh well, if something isn't healthy this week just wait a spell - its so silly, really. Really like your poem. Poetry hugs ... CayCay
Wigley Avatar
August 26, 2018 at 1:39 AM
Thanks, cayCay, yes, all those unhealthy things we've been eating since prehistoric times, and we're still here... a little bit of everything does you good. Apart from tobacco.... Viv x
Pigeon Tart Avatar
August 25, 2018 at 10:54 AM
Lol! Fabulous fun poem :))
Wigley Avatar
August 26, 2018 at 1:40 AM
Thanks, Maureen, glad you liked it. Viv x
Krampe Avatar
August 25, 2018 at 6:36 AM
Yesterday's superfood is today's villain. Enjoyable write, Viv.
Wigley Avatar
August 26, 2018 at 1:40 AM
And it will always be so, Agnes. Sadly. Thanks for dropping by. Viv x
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace