The Art of Eating Lobster

When in swanky restaurants, 'tis easy to daintily dine on cordon bleu,
But dining on lobster requires deft finesse without humiliating you!
For what its worth, I offer the following that I've learned o'er the years,
To show snobbish waiters you're really not all that wet behind the ears!

First of all, a wizened waiter will provide a bib if he's really on the job.
(Somehow, they perceive right away that you are a rather artless slob!)
When cracking open each morsel, some violent squirting may occur!
Should juice spritz the guy at the next table simply say, "Sorry sir"!

The hapless lobster is dissected in certain order to make the meal complete.
First, remove the claws, crack the shell with a claw cracker and remove the meat.
For this a fork is provided, then discard the shells in a bowl being discreet!
Next, twist the tail from the body and break off the flippers - those you musn't eat!

And now for the piece de resistance, that long anticipated holy grail,
(That you paid fifty-five bucks for!) - that scrumptious lobster's tail!
Insert a lobster fork into the flesh and gently ease it out of the shell.
(Sucking meat from the legs is optional - on that matter I will not dwell!)

A female lobster might contain a bit of roe considered a delicacy by some.
(If that is your fancy, quietly asking about the lobster's sex is the rule of thumb!)
Plunge lobster pieces in butter taking care not to let it run down your arm!
(Leaving a sizeable tip for the disaster you've created wouldn't do any harm!)

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Maverick Avatar
July 10, 2011 at 2:59 PM
A tasty piece of a rite:) if i do say so Robert..enjoyed that lobster i dare say you did too..despite your etiquette stew..
Buys Avatar
July 6, 2011 at 3:21 PM
Ah, you forgot the garlic in the butter, yum, yum. Very amusing poem and had me giggling for there is many a true word spoken in jest. Great poem, well written and a joy to read. Regards
Taylor Avatar
July 6, 2011 at 3:03 PM
I have to take your word for this one, my friend. I don't like fish of any kind! Don't like fishing either! However another outstanding write as usual. Best to you and Vera. Ralphie
Devonshire Avatar
July 6, 2011 at 1:20 PM
Very funny, Bob. Here they just serve lobster tails and we don't need all sorts of tools to dissect the meat. Maybe I'm dining in the wrong restaurants. LOL Love, Carolyn
Peranteau Avatar
July 6, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Well dear poet, though the write here is an awesome one, it brings back memorries of my first and last time which I ate the"Lobster"...at my wedding reception, which landed me in the hospital ! LOL, I'm allergic sir ! Tasty though it was ! Have a splendid week my friend ! Much love, james
Sweetheart Avatar
July 6, 2011 at 11:55 AM
fantastic research for this piece Bob and definitely a treat to read luv... am behind in my replies ..we have a new addition to our family..my White Westie we saved from the shelter down seashore.. she is so adorable ..she is my Venus...oh.. so cute.. so pampering her I let PS slip a while.. but back now enjoying my Soup Family ..luv..
Wesley Avatar
July 6, 2011 at 9:02 AM
Robert, I hope you got at leat 2 tails for $55. A witty write with great style. I enjoyed.
Boyle Avatar
July 5, 2011 at 4:44 PM
This is priceless Bob...been there...done that! And I ALWAYS require 2 bibs for this foray into epicurean heaven!! Bon Appetit! Bea
Onclaud Avatar
July 5, 2011 at 1:03 PM
tedious way to savor a lobster with much needed table etiquette, robert... delightful piece; enjoyed the attention to details! :) huggs, nette
Johnson Avatar
July 5, 2011 at 8:17 AM
Thanks Robert. A great etiquette lesson. I'll take my lobster nicely shelled. By carcasses I am repelled. Same may be said about spare-ribs, Best eaten alone with lots of bibs. Thanks for the humor. Love, Joyce
Kendrick Avatar
July 5, 2011 at 8:13 AM
Enjoyed reading this one..I like it when I get it on the half -shell or just the tails or stuffed on the half-shell but working at the meal is much fun..Quite pricey fair though..Thanks for the kind review of my work..Been awhile since I had been on the interstate...Not very comfortable feeling..Sara
Deane Avatar
July 5, 2011 at 8:06 AM
I too have enjoyed your poem, whimsical and informative...I myself can no longer enjoy the shellfish of the sea, highly allergic now...you have made me crave the untouchable...luv shannon
Zzzzz Avatar
July 5, 2011 at 4:10 AM
A brilliant and highly entertaining write! Educational too--if I ever order lobster I'll try to recall your advice! Hope you had a great 4th July! Robert Haigh.
Hall Mad Poet Avatar
July 4, 2011 at 5:50 PM
Dam Sir Robert and here I was biting the bloody shell. I must be alergic cause my Sidney Hall's began to swell. hehe. I love it you are da man.
Johnson Avatar
July 4, 2011 at 4:05 PM
Sucking on the Sandgoanna, dogs turn up their noses, Aboriginals sucked em down, all about taste i spose:) great description of Lobby sucking here :) on ya mate, Don
Sweetheart Avatar
July 4, 2011 at 3:39 PM
described the eating challenge to a T Bob .. lobster not one of my favs but have watched other wrestle with the deceased beast trying to be prim and proper about it without success..a delightful fun read on this happy 4th luv.. save this beauty for a contest luv..sure prize grabber..
Guzzi Avatar
July 4, 2011 at 3:21 PM
all's good so far Bob [son's already in the bar across the street looking for the party??? not me I'm here with you ;) 5pm thy are having a trike race??? I guess you have to have a few beers first for that? [love the lobster poem & lobster!] Light & Love
Horne Avatar
July 4, 2011 at 2:29 PM
LOL, I love this witty informative write - I think I'll stick with KFC
Ball Avatar
July 4, 2011 at 1:51 PM
This is too cute. Really enjoyed the training session. Never bothered with lobster at a restraunt. Not into trying to et something that can still fight after you've killed it. heehee Great job here Robert. God Bless, JB
Dailey Avatar
July 4, 2011 at 1:39 PM
Very educational but lobster just tastes like the butter you dip it in to me - give me a big old steak any day. Love the poem any way. Mike
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