Last week we threw out a new poetry prompt for the month of May, asking Los Angeles Public Library staff to write a poem about their favorite food or dish. Since May is Asian Pacific Heritage Month, we asked that they be written in one of two Japanese poetic forms: haiku or tanka. The response was amazing—over 60 poems in all! Most of them were haikus, so we’re kicking things off with our first Haiku Friday. Stay tuned as we roll out the rest of the poems every “Haiku Friday” and “Tanka Tuesday” until the end of May. You can check out the poems on Instagram, too, and remember—it’s not too late to post a poem there of your own. As always, the poems appear in the order in which they were received. Read on for some bite-sized tasty treats. Bon appetit!
I may not see it
All the candy in the world
But I’ve had plenty.
—A.A.
Noodles, suspended
In a dreamy steamy broth
Life’s meaning restored
—Sharon Padua
Bright break of the morn
When cappuccino sustains
whilst out and about
—Eva Cox
Sweet Asparagus
Joy spears of rich ecstasy
recalled when I pee
—Glen Creason
Oatmeal—warm goodness
I forgot how I loved you,
Until I stayed home.
—Anne Jensen
Hollenbeck with Cheese
Guacamole, Pork, and Beans
Belly in pure glee
—Kenneth N.
Savory tamal
Hot and thick, firm and juicy
¡Rico deleitar!
—Lupita L.
Veggie or vegan
All is fine and so divine
Indian food Love
—Sybil Blazej-Yee
Peanut butter love
Chocolate ridges surround
A tasty queen crowned
—Megan Y.
Hot crispy baguette
Your dough belly exposed
the butter ready.
—Ani Boyadjian
Chocolate is a gift,
A divine feast for the gods
Sweetly symphonic
—Leah W.
Crispy and chewy
Cinnamony sweet goodness
Warm and comforting
—Andrea Garcia
Check back next week on our first “Tanka Tuesday” for more delectable poems about your favorite food!
Some images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.