Living Proof

The dinner was very formal The starters were served as normal Scrupulous spread of hues, aromas, booze So tempting to try one, but how to choose A sea of dips, platters of cheese, and little boys No one dared to try one, the host adroit with poise Delayed, distracted in chatter, host kept the starving mob at bay Guests unwilling to offend, stared like drooling lions at their prey But surely there was no harm in sniffing, a polite hint to begin So with fleeting glance, the guest picked up and sniffed the dish nearest to him A quick sniff would surely not be seen as rude But, in haste the nose got too close to the food A dollop of ruddy dip clung on to nosy's tip end Living proof of failure, with level best, to not offend.