‘As useful as a chocolate teapot!'

Cherry

By Rhiannonw

Tue, 18 Jul 2023
  • 530 reads
7 comments
 

I’m a chocolate teapot
looking swell;
but for tea I’m useless
– heat will tell!

Collapsing in hot water
–  I will keep
cool and idle, or I’m
soon a melted heap!

Rather than weak elegance,
better plain and tough
to survive hot battles
when the going’s rough.

(with reference to the saying, ‘As useful as a chocolate teapot/fireguard’ and with acknowledgement to the – anonymous? – author of the toddler favourite action song, ‘I’m a little teapot, short and stout, here’s my handle, here’s my spout’)
[IP: chocolate]

Certificate U
Poem
Miscellaneous
Philosophy
Humour
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by marandina on

"I'm a chocolate teapot

looking swell.."

 

I had the "I'm a little teapot" rhythm swirling through my head as I read this. "As useful as a chocolate teapot.." is a saying that always makes me smile. Nicely done, of course, Rhiannon. Paul 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Paul, glad you enjoyed it. I had heard the phrase used in a particular context but hadn't realised it was a generally well known phrase. I always enjoy singing/acting the toddler son! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

No problem love hot chocolate, especially now would be nice! An edible teapot, whoever would have thought of that! How about easter bunnies ... or eggs yes.

Keel well! TomTom

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

I gather some have managed to make one that doesn't immediately collapse; I'm not sure if they got a chocolate drink of chocolatey tea from it, and presumably then eat it?!. But the point of the phrase is that it depicts something that really isn't going to cope with that job. I saw a reference to 'A car in a heavy traffic jam is as useful as a chocolate teapot. Use a bike instead! Meaning: Totally useless!' and 'This umbrella is stuck inside out, so it’s about as useful as a chocolate teapot right now'

I think it is also used for needing to be tough and persevering  (and, hopefully have real faith) to cope with the difficulties of life, not expect a life of total ease and luxury. Rhiannon 

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

You tend to be very exact. Literal. Well each to his own.

Didn't work for me, cheers! Tom

 

Submitted by Turlough on

Great poem Rhiannon.

I've often wondered if anyone has ever really attempted to make a chocolate teapot.

There are so many 'as much use as' sayings. Sometimes rude but usually funny.

Thanks for that. I enjoyed reading it.

Turlough

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks. Glad it worked for you. A bit of fun from the IP. Rhiannon