In the Kitchen

I haven’t made it to the kitchen yet,
But I’ll be getting there before the crowd,
Before they all arrive here, bright and loud,
To eat like locusts. I have snares to set:
Two lovely bear traps and a big, strong net.
Once all that’s finished (having done me proud),
They’ll all be frightened and completely cowed,
And maybe I’ll have peace, so hard to get.

I don’t begrudge the nourishment. It’s fine
If they require a little bit of food,
Some vitamins and protein. I’m not rude,
I wasn’t trying to starve them. Let them dine,
But don’t let in the whole hungering line —
Well, not at once. And maybe wear a snood.