No Chopsticks For Me

By Elton Camp

A fork to eat soup is unwise
Thus, spoons are no surprise

It makes no sense if anyone picks
To try to eat rice with two sticks

If I try with all of my might
I might get a teeny-tiny bite

To pick up meat might be okay
For little grains--it’s nuts I say!

Orientals may master the skill
So that chopsticks fill the bill

But here’s the thing I want to say:
Why would anybody pick that way!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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De Beaulieu Avatar
April 11, 2018 at 1:45 PM
Hello Elton,I like your poem. Every chance i get i do et with chop sticks. The steamed rice is perfect for chop sticks. I also handle the meat, I always ask for a knife and fork,to cut the meat smaller. Towards the end of the meal,I end with eating the ret with a fork, because chop sticks do not pick up the food then.Have a nice day.
Rodd Avatar
March 8, 2017 at 5:35 PM
delightful little poem!!
Rigoler Avatar
September 6, 2015 at 6:02 PM
Well said, although I have no problem eating with chop sticks. How they manage to eat soup with them is their problem. Enjoyable read. / M
Camp Avatar
September 6, 2015 at 7:29 PM
Thanks for reading and taking time to comment. I'm too much of an old Alabama hillbilly to want to try eating with two sticks.
Bauer Avatar
April 16, 2015 at 5:39 PM
on my first date with my husband, he taught me how to use chopsticks and i love eating with them. yes, it does slow me down but that makes the meal more enjoyable to me. many people feel the way you do, though, and you've expressed it delightfully in your poem...
Camp Avatar
April 16, 2015 at 7:10 PM
I'm a really slow eater so sure don't need something to slow me even further. Thanks for reading and taking time to comment. I've been neglecting Poetry Soup lately, although I've been posting elsewhere--Writers Network--where I can include pictures. Elton
Allison Avatar
April 16, 2015 at 4:35 PM
This made me giggle - I ask for a knife and fork in a Chinese restaurant - I know my limitations and I like to eat my food hot!:-) hugs jan xx 7 xx
Camp Avatar
April 16, 2015 at 4:47 PM
I've seen some folks really shovel it down with chopsticks, but I don't seem to have the right touch.
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