Dinner Partner

"Yes, the ladies look exquisite in their gowns,
and I agree, sir, it is a fine meal we are enjoying.
But a thought has crossed my mind and I must inquire:
have you ever, sir, tasted a potato? Yes, a potato.
And should you affirm my presumptuous question,
I will hail you as a mate who has tasted
the earthy grit of dust blown fields picked clean
of countless rows of potatoes. And I would say, too
you have known the aches of shoulders
enduring a day's work in the world of the potato.
And I would say you know of the tomorrow's
which will bring more labor, and of the end which is never,
seemingly, within sight. That, sir, is what I would say.
And I would say that you know of the potato's origin,
of its history and of the contributions of this tiny tuber.
Yes, I would say that and more, sir, for I am glad I
have met you, and should you answer 'yes' to my inquiry,
I will know you as one who understands the seminality
of a wondrous life, a life that gives to life. For that, sir,
that is the potato! And so I will ask you once again;
have you ever tasted a potato? But first things first,
my new friend. You must try the salmon. It is excellent."

J.D. Heskin

If you've any comments on this poem, J.D.Heskin would be pleased to hear from you.