I am drafting a poem each day in April. There is no perfection here. Only my brave self posting even though I know these poems need work. There is a freedom in drafting that cannot be found in revision. Some writers love the revision process. I question myself too much. When I draft, I just write. Critiquing is harder for me. Today’s poem was written in my notes app as I took a walk, got ready for school, arrived in my classroom. Before the day gets away, I wanted to draft it again for a blog post. Work in progress.
Darius Phelps offered a prompt today based on a poem called Good Son by Kyle Liang. Both Kyle and Darius used food references metaphorically to reveal a deep truth. I love when metaphor works in this way. How metaphor can lead us to a deeper meaning.
Macaroni & Cheese
Our first fight was over macaroni & cheese which ingredients should be added at what temperature to achieve the creamiest bowl.
Kraft is the only brand we’d buy, but you argued that I poured the little flakes of fake cheese too fast, didn’t stir enough to fully achieve the milk to cheese ratio.
You don’t have to be good, according to Mary Oliver, you just have to love what you love. So we loved each other well.
After long marriage, I wait for you to offer the spoon to taste your gumbo. You tell me my spaghetti is always good– Our edges smoothed like macaroni & cheese.
Looks like you hit the prompt for Writer’s Digest Poem-A-Day challenge today. Writing about love. It’s all about the simple things.They matter more than anything. Lovely poem!
I love so much how that box of Kraft Mac and cheese turned into a poem about marriage, and endurance of love and appreciation. And that Mary Oliver line is perfect for your daily poetic practice, right?!
You’ve crafted a love story, not just around food, but also centered on communication. I write almost every poem in the notes app. I keep saying I’ll transfer them out to another spot, but I kind of like being able to search the app for inspiration, I wonder, did you think of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese as a luxury when you were a kid? I did. And are you familiar with Crystal Wilkinson’s writing? I think you’d like her.
I do not know Crystal Wilkinson. Do you have a link? a book? Thanks. And, yes, Kraft was a luxury. I didn’t even know that one could make macaroni and cheese without a box.
Margaret, I love this love story told with food. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese was a favorite of mine too. I love to see the progression to the reciprocity of you both cooking good things and appreciating each other.
Margaret, I love this! It’s the perfect recipe for a love-filled, long marriage. The way you wove the Mary Oliver line in…so good! Just like macaroni and cheese!
Margaret Simon lives on the Bayou Teche in New Iberia, Louisiana. She teaches gifted elementary students, writes poetry and children's books. Welcome to a space of peace, poetry, and personal reflection. Walk in kindness.
Reflections on the Teche 
Looks like you hit the prompt for Writer’s Digest Poem-A-Day challenge today. Writing about love. It’s all about the simple things.They matter more than anything. Lovely poem!
I love so much how that box of Kraft Mac and cheese turned into a poem about marriage, and endurance of love and appreciation. And that Mary Oliver line is perfect for your daily poetic practice, right?!
I’ve read “Perfect Black” and love it. Lots of food poetry and stories.
Margaret,
You’ve crafted a love story, not just around food, but also centered on communication. I write almost every poem in the notes app. I keep saying I’ll transfer them out to another spot, but I kind of like being able to search the app for inspiration, I wonder, did you think of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese as a luxury when you were a kid? I did. And are you familiar with Crystal Wilkinson’s writing? I think you’d like her.
I do not know Crystal Wilkinson. Do you have a link? a book? Thanks. And, yes, Kraft was a luxury. I didn’t even know that one could make macaroni and cheese without a box.
Margaret, I love this love story told with food. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese was a favorite of mine too. I love to see the progression to the reciprocity of you both cooking good things and appreciating each other.
I applaud your mac and cheese! A simple thing can become so complex, like love and marriage. Well done.
Margaret, I love this! It’s the perfect recipe for a love-filled, long marriage. The way you wove the Mary Oliver line in…so good! Just like macaroni and cheese!