Long Beefsteak Poems

I grew up and out on a four family-owned,
and cooperatively-organized,
extended matriarchal farm.

Four interdependent 1940s through 1970s patriarchally managed businesses,
without substantial questions about who should wear pants,
yet with a surprising matriarchal cooperative understory.

The boxers outnumbered the...

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Remember Beefsteak Charlies?
I don’t remember the last time I saw one
but every time I see one of those
tomatoes, I remember Charlie
my Charlie, the one who befriended me
he didn’t have to, after all					
he was my grandfather.
Charlie...

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Just down the gravel road a piece is an old-time country store.
On its saggin' shelves are things you won't find much anymore.
Ladies in bright calico barter with Mr. Draper their eggs and butter,
As they visit...

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Accordin'  to my totally unbiased and very detailed research,
Jerimiah Flood pastored the Happy Valley Baptist Church.
From the pulpit he flailed his arms as if fightin' a hive of bees,
Elicitin' "Hallelujahs" and bringin' sinners fallin'...

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Autumn approached about a week ago as stealthily as a fox!
The corn has been shucked and the golden fodder stands in shocks.
Luscious apples have been plucked from every supple bough.
Sweet-scented alfalfa for the cattle has...

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'Tis glorious springtime agin in Wayne County, Indiana!
(Never mind that a blizzard jes' blew in frum Montana!)
Folks wuz beginnin' to till their gardens to plant pertaters,
And wuz bustin' clods to set out plants uv beefsteak...

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Ma issued a decree that Pa received with very little ardor:
"A vegetable garden is needed to supplement our meager larder!"
Pa would rather spend his leisure time snoozing on the couch,
But he allowed he'd better get...

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Those born unto a family large will know whereof I speak.
When you sat at table, to get your fill there was a technique!
During Pa's interminable grace, bellies would begin to growl,
Anticipating the meat and taters...

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I can tolerate most any grub that is placed upon my plate,
Though I must be somewhat selective so as to control my weight!
I love a juicy New Yawk steak and taters with a slab of...

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Of the many things that I like I could go on ad infinitum,
But it would take reams of paper should I list every item!
So I'll confine myself to ten or so things that I like...

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Toasted teacakes,parmesan cheese
Croquetted chicken,fricasees;
Apple dumplings,yogurt creamed
Welsh mutton,in pudding,steamed.

Baked Alaska,Banbury cake
Lyons ices with  Cadbury flake;
Gorganzola buttered roll
Side salad oil drizzled,in a bowl.

Melba meringue,warm mince pies
Filet mignon,mushrooms and fries;
Sunday roast in dripping jelly
Onions and peppered tripe...

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Toasted teacakes,parmesan cheese
Croquetted chicken,fricasees;
Apple dumplings,yogurt creamed
Welsh mutton,in pudding,steamed.

Baked Alaska,Banbury cake
Lyons ices with  Cadbury flake;
Gorganzola buttered roll
Side salad oil drizzled,in a bowl.

Melba meringue,warm mince pies
Filet mignon,mushrooms and fries;
Sunday roast in dripping jelly
Onions and peppered tripe...

Read More

Toasted teacakes,parmesan cheese
Croquetted chicken,fricasees;
Apple dumplings,yogurt creamed
Welsh mutton,in pudding,steamed.

Baked Alaska,Banbury cake
Lyons ices with  Cadbury flake;
Gorganzola buttered roll
Side salad oil drizzled,in a bowl.

Melba meringue,warm mince pies
Filet mignon,mushrooms and fries;
Sunday roast in dripping jelly
Onions and peppered tripe...

Read More

Thought to first originate in Peru,
It’s a true tomato  fact,
oval or round,  and juicy too
from beefsteak to compact.
Tomato!  be you red or green,
nutritionally you are boss,
whether topping a salad like a queen
or...

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