Tomato Soup


I never liked tomato soup -
that thick slurry of red
in a white bowl - childhood
winters, Friday nights
with a menacing dark  
pressing against the window
as if trying to get in.

Tomato soup looked too much
like blood poured out
of that suffering
pictured in the vivid imagery
hung along the stations 
of a child's mind no matter
if blest by grace.

When older and wiser,
I had lamb shank soup,
clumped with celery, carrots
and loads of gelatinous meat.
Each heaped spoonful
was a precious gift,
a celebration of life.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Allison Avatar
July 21, 2025 at 2:45 PM
my dad always used to give us tinned tomato soup when we were ill - just the sight of it now makes me baulk. hugs jan xx
Allison Avatar
July 22, 2025 at 3:02 PM
I'll never say never, to home made red pepper and tomato soup but the canned stuff is so artificial. It weird i always think of the name Fiona when i see tinned tomato soup - guess it must have been someone from my childhood days lol
Willason Avatar
July 22, 2025 at 2:54 PM
I always knew we had something in common other than our love of poetry and quirky humour ....our dislike for tomato soup. I thought I was an outcast in a world ruled by Campbell's. A few of us are rebells. Thanks dearJan for your comments, Take care
Winter Avatar
July 21, 2025 at 6:16 AM
Dear Paul, I thought I was the only one who didn't like tomato soup. Sometimes it just makes me nauseous. You've put feelings into this poem, a deeper meaning behind the soup. Best, Anne
Willason Avatar
July 22, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Hi Anne Ah, another good soul that is not a fan of tomato soup. So pleased to receive your comments....of course, as you noted, the poem carries a little more than a comment on soup preference. Very much value your visit. Take care...
M  Avatar
July 21, 2025 at 1:15 AM
I hear you loud and clear Paul....l love tomatoes and all that is tomato based but tinned Tommy soup.....No thanks! When l eat out and order Soup of the Day if its tomato its a definite No! Stems from childhood l think ha! Loved your poem my friend! Debx
Willason Avatar
July 22, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Hi Deb, Good to hear you share my opinion of canned tomato soup. We are probably in the minority but a good lamb shanks soup beats it hands down or for a vegetarian option...a thick, creamy pumpkin. The poem of course stirs in a few memories. Thanks Deb for stopping by...take care
Etgen-Baker Avatar
July 20, 2025 at 4:28 PM
I agree...the look and feel of tomato soup is hard to get past. I love the flavor, though, especially with grilled cheese. Yum. Now I'm hungry.
Willason Avatar
July 22, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Thanks Sara...it seems tomato soup divides opinion. Will give it a miss...carries memories. Regards.
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