I’m no good at cooking while talking (IP)

By Rhiannonw

Fri, 11 May 2012
  • 2347 reads
8 comments
 

A widow with a nervous disposition,
oppressed with loneliness, depression,
accepting proffered invitation
to come to have some lunch with me.

Hard work to keep up conversation
that would encourage relaxation
from shyness, awkwardness and tension;
– ‘I’ll just have coffee (with hot milk) and toast’.

Alas, division of attention,
in conversation’s concentration –
I burnt the milk – she laughed, ‘Just add it cold’
and then the toast, – she gurgled.
And at my consternation,
the barriers crumbled
as I was humbled:
acceptance when there’s no pretence.

So better to have quietness, and happiness
than fretting to give excellence
for which I have no competence
and know the things I can do best,
not show off, to impress my guest
but making welcome with no fuss,
or bluster, fluster.

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet, than a house full of feasting with strife. Proverbs 17:1

Certificate U
Miscellaneous

Comments

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Made me smile, Rhiannon, especially as I just baked some bread. That quote, by the way, is certainly food for thought;-) Tina

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on
Thank you, Tina, I'm sure you are a better cook than me (or, should it be 'I am'?). Talking (plus the necesssary thought!) does seem to take precedence when I multi-task! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
Hi Rhiannon, I think you're right about not putting too much effort into the cooking, when inviting someone round. They just want to come to you for company, I think that should be enough. Great words of wisdom. Jenny.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on
Thank you, Jenny! Your words are well said, too. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Denzella on
Hello Rhiannonw, I love cooking but only when I'm on my own so I cook then freeze then when I have guests I raid the freezer. Less stressful than cooking the whole meal when one has visitors. My other failsafe method is a timer so when I am busy chatting and forgetting to look at my pie or whatever the timer goes off and interrupts my chat. That way I don't have to ask my guests "Do you like your cinders well done?" Really enjoyed the poem and could identify with it as I too have spoilt many a meal in my time. I'm one of those people if I haven't got the sprouts on by the first day in December then my Christmas preparations are behind. Much enjoyed Moya
 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on
A number of good tips there, Moya! Thank you, and glad you too empathised and enjoyed. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Rhiannon

I enjoyed this little poem story. I'm having a friend around for lunch today, but she is the one who tried her best to cheer me when Philip died - and took me on long walks and to beautiful gardens, and tried to get me to talk. I don't see her very often any more but I always enjoy her company. We're have salmon and baked acorn squash for lunch.

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Jean. I hope you have a lovely time. The lunch sounds scrumptious! Rhiannon