Shucking Corn
Do it outside
Inside would make a mess
Break off the stem
Peel back the tassel and husk
Don't think about the taste
The sweet crunchy kernels
Or how your salty lips will pucker
Concentrate on your work
Peel most of the silk then rub off the rest
It's not time for dinner yet
Don't think about the glistening rows
After the golden ear is buttered up
Or about the crunchy sounds
When your teeth munch into the kernels
Now bring the ears to the cook
Put the husks and silk in the garbage
And forget about the coming joyfrom Hero Island, a book of poems by Stephen B. Wiley
That's a very nice poem, but I have to say that I really can't stand shucking corn ... drives me crazy.
Posted by: jen | August 19, 2005 at 03:29 PM
poems poem all around poems yum.
Posted by: shuna | August 20, 2005 at 08:55 PM
I find shucking corn to be quite satisfying. One gets virtually instant return for one's labour.
"Put the husks and silk in the garbage"
Oh my no! They're perfect for the compost pile!
Posted by: ejm | August 21, 2005 at 07:52 AM