Poetry of a sandwich

This poem can be performed while eating a sandwich made of mixed green leaves

(or not, in which case you have to imagine that I have a sandwich ...)

Poetry of a sandwich

So many wonderful words in this sandwich …

lollo rosso, a flamenco dancer

 with deep red frilly edges

tatsoi, the crunchy Chinese leaf

frisee, robust and strong

names to get your tongue around…

mizuna, mild, serrated edges

escarole, pale-hearted but substantial

romaine, deeply green and strong

lollo verde, lighter than its red cousin

bataria, more frilly

little gem, compact and beautiful

oak leaf, green or red, and sweet

chard, in many colours.

Add zest and spice with spiky rocket

(protects against cancers)

pungent watercress

(the Greeks say it brightens the intellect)

a bitter kick of radicchio.

Add a few leaves of nasturtium

for a real bite! …

a peppery flavour, and a natural antibiotic.

(Also said to be a remedy for hair loss,

and good for circulation)

A pansy flower or two will purify the blood.

It’s an anti-rheumatic and laxative too.

(Don’t eat too many!)

for texture, taste, health benefits,

put your greens in your sandwich,

savour all the flavour…

              eat all the words!