One of the things that I'm most proud of <br />Since I was very young <br />Is learning to cook and enjoying it so <br />And what a pleasure it has become <br /> <br />It started with egg sandwiches for Dad <br />He liked one when he wanted a snack <br />He said mine were the best that could be had <br />I was proud to do something back <br /> <br />Then there was the apples pies I baked <br />One day when mom was out <br />And to my joy, the crust turned out great! <br />And my love of cooking came about <br /> <br />Mom taught me to season everything just right <br />And all the tips she knew <br />The soups and gravies, and cakes so lite <br />The cassaroles and the irish stew <br /> <br />Then I was making dinner for the family <br />My four brothers, mom and dad, and me <br />And at fourteen years old I was hired to cook <br />For the neighbor with seven kids to feed! <br /> <br />Later when I got a place on my own <br />I couldn't afford to go out to eat <br />I could barely afford to pay the rent! <br />I was broke, but I ate like a queen! <br /> <br />I've fed all my family and friends that I know <br />And catered parties and festivals too <br />And the joy that I feel can't help but show <br />I love to nurture people with food! <br /> <br />We must all nourish our bodies each day <br />So why not make it taste great! <br />With a little planning, a will, and a way <br />The skies the limit on what we can make! <br /> <br />The joy of cooking is something learned and shared <br />And it unites the young and the old <br />A lifelong love that can only be compared <br />To a treasure more precious than gold!<br /><br />Kathleen West<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-joy-of-cooking/
