I went to the butchers to get me some fish
I asked for some haddock to bake in a dish
The butcher said, “Sir, if it’s fish that you’re after,
You’ve picked the wrong place and you couldn’t pick dafter.”
He said, “If you want fish you want the fishmonger,
I know cos I bought some fish when I was younger.”
To find the fishmonger did not take too long
In order to find it I followed the pong
I didn’t want fish bones to stick in my teeth
So went in and asked for a nice piece of beef
The man was abrupt, he was no politician
He said, “I’m no butcher, Sir… I’m an optician.”
So how do you like your sushi
just sashimi on a plate?
or do you prefer it wrapped in nori?
decorated with microgreens and eggs?
And is there wasabi?
that heat to the tongue?
just a dash or a dab?
Does it make your nose run?
Do you dip in soy?
or is it the modern aminos?
without that salty it seems a bit drab....
Do you like your fish as an appetizer to your meal
or can it be the main course?
Do you want a bit of surf and turf
alternating between beef and fish
culinary exertion almost unreal?
Start with seaweed salad, edamame or just some simple hot green tea?
And is it chopsticks or handrolls?
or do you eat with your hands?
Are there other accompanying tricks?
I long to hear of your distinguishing traits
as you tempt me with your stories and wit
So tell me your tales of sushi
and I will tell you mine
And then perhaps we shall have some saki
and find another way to pass the time
- Do you like it raw? - Artimus (C) Susan Manley 6/15/2024 2:48PM
Yeah... I am a bit salty today
Sea surreal in darkest nets
Nocturnal-ness in jaws and tentacled breasts
still the thrill, breathless at my thoughts
the sea - a catch
The sea a catch, oh my stars
that settle like flickering candles
on tremulous waves
The sway, the dance, oh
the romance of candlelight
aboard the deck of dopamine
I resist the thought
that I’m in-between
cruise ala royal dreams
The drift of ebb and flow
I fly so slow, slipping
undertow, envisioning
serpents and maids
I’m made for the sea
See my tales splash
flibberty-thrashing
about in a net
netting the seashell gold
of surf and turf
sweet sands that tug
my eyes and heart
I blink
back tears
When will we see each other
‘gain, this match
of tenderness and angst
Let the torrents roar
Let the sides capsize
Let me touch your silkiness
your depths
your traps
of playfulness. The reader
must think me silly
as I surrender to the crests
and climb aboard
to see the sea
and sky collide
I’m given over
and under
in thunderous claps
to sated and salted
direct attack
of anything that might arrest
my joy
my exploration
my destination
my ploy
to dream without danger…
Sharks in the ocean, killer whales -
prevalence of predators in knee deep water,
all because men know better.
They, we - bring disaster to the shore,
to the salty, silty, haven
of children, couples, the old and young.
The fascination of jaws, rows of sharp teeth,
claws at our imaginations; not as lovely
a ride as a dolphin does bring; gladly
gambolling along with a friend.
Sharks bite, out for a midnight snack…
even in the sunny hours.
Back to the salty, silty, haven -
the vacation spot, vacated
or kept on the land, not
wanting to become surf and turf, not
wanting an arm or leg
to be separated in the foam,
in the thrill of the wave.
The wave washes onto the coconut beach.
Ebb and flow of romance.
Dark shadows, inviting
and dangerous. Riveting, breathless -
the tide is precipitous. Washed up,
a half-eaten board. Bored or not,
keep limbs on loungers, toes
out of the sea. Don’t tow the line.
6/14/2023
Joan’s spouse requests surf and turf.
Bob’s stature and beard - a smurf.
In short, she plays cute,
Puts on a wet suit.
She climbs iron board to surf.
Bob tells her to get on down.
His ask, does not make her frown.
She winks as he guides
And rolls with the tides.
She’s hot off the plate, his clown.
7/16/2022
Limerick Contest
Sponsor: Lisa YY
Chef Bourdain
1956-2018
Surf and turf, a sardine in tin; will travel.
Your downward spiral
Magnanimity that whetted our appetite
Fans everywhere you excite.
Consumed the exotic and
consumed by erotic specialty dishes.
Five mother sauces to haute cuisine
Mouthwatering too obscene
You've come to your exit; I hope it’s delicious!
I celebrate you, it’s all been nutritious.
Down the pike, seasonal traps,
and festive lures trundle in,
weave ways through orange barrels,
past Red Lobster’s neon’s
a surf and turf backwash of traffic.
Pumpkins drop dead gradually.
Bedside Halloween costumes,
seams worn to a frazzle, no longer dazzle.
Yet we cheer for the sexed-up masquerade
with its side-offering of ghoul-masked kids.
A sidewalk Santa fumes;
gives us the finger behind his sandwich board.
Shoppers both freeze and simmer in puffer jackets,
coalesce in electric clumps.
Strip Mall's hum and glare.
Plows push a gathering sludge
from here to there.
hovering seagulls
beach-going lunchroom bullies
what's for dessert
©8/10/2018
lord of the outdoors
ruler of the castle
king of the barbecue
wielding fork and spatula
like a maestro
snow rain or shine
surf and turf
burgers or hotdogs
rotisserie chicken
exotic kebobs
grilled colorful veggies
nontraditional desserts
take a bow
you’re a pro
AP: Honorable Mention 2025
I've made love to the earth
rode the waves of a tidal sea
from the very day of my birth
to greet the world despite its cacophony.
I watched it grow as I knew it could
setting its imagery of joy and tears before my very eyes
walking with the creatures of the open wood
beneath the brilliant blue and yellowed sun lit skies.
In the crevices life exists in the surf and turf
between the grains of flowing sand
and I crept with the gifts of God's green earth.
and set myself on a human path to land.
I am in love with this wondrous revolving sphere
there can be no other reason as to why we each are here.
Lonely Blue Ocean
breaks the abiding gold sands....
surf and turf mingle
under clear undaunted skies---
blue moon fades to sunlit gold.
© Harry J Horsman 2011
I have a feeling
that my dog is so spoiled
that she doesnt like dog food anymore
apperently she want's filet min yung and lobster
well this isint the surf and turf doggie cafe
get your head outa your furry butt
and eat your alpo
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