Page 9 - Poetry-Family

Friend Godey...

Friend Godey, I have long been looking
At your receipts, and views of cooking,
Delighted, in the main;
I truly like an interchange,
Of varied ways for dishes strange,
To common folks made plain.

But then, it really seems to me,
In this wise age that there should be
Less thought bestowed on eating—
That those who live for this one end
Vainly their time and money spend—
Life’s higher aim defeating.

I like to see a table shine,
Served in good taste, and set out fine,
Always—besure!—provided
That nobody is wronged, to pay
The bill, to make all this display;
Now that’s my mind, decided.

Yet I would have for this parade,
The dishes of such simples made,
That one might eat securely,
Without dyspepsia, grinning wide,
Or apoplexy at one’s side—
Unwelcome guests most surely!

Now, every mixed up, fixed up mess
Is poison, nothing more or less—
Thousands this truth can tell;
But still (what silly sheep we are!)
We follow lead, no matter where,
And bring up not so well!

Do, Mr. Godey—if you can
Devise a more judicious plan,
The wealthy mass to suit—
Get up a meal of bread and cheese,

~ 7 ~