A Wonder-ous Feast
Virginia Salter

Such a lovely feast I’d made with pancakes piled high
smothered in fresh peaches ‘neath cream they all did lie.

Looking like a tower of nature’s finest ware
seated beside a slab of ham that a Dutchman did prepare.

The first bite truly luscious the second was likewise
then the third how quite absurd was filled with odd surprise.

The peaches, when I chose them looked quite the same to me
but it turns out one was not quite as fresh as it could be.

Yet forging on, I went, selecting a bite of charge
for this lovely condiment was looming out quite large.

Surely it was only one tiny morsel from the lot,
yet every now and then a peach did taste of rot.

So now, feeling daunted I’ve eaten pancakes and the ham
and lying there quite unaware are peaches luscious or a sham.

I’ve found I can no longer test the waters of their juice
for finding one more that's tainted would take a better sluice.

So I will try to satisfy myself with thoughts persuade
that I am fully satisfied and have eaten the best ones made.

© July 31, 2001