This poem speaks to stereotypes of Americans. We happen to think that the “fat” stereotype is particularly pertinent these days, especially in the Arab world. And yet, we bet you that your mouth will water by the time you are done reading. Go on. Prove us wrong.

Pay special attention to what’s going on in the poem. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill culinary fantasies. *wink*

Anyway, we think Sim Stafford is brilliant (look for more of his writing on GlobalComment), and hope you will enjoy.

- The AC Team.

I lust for: paella washed down with sake,
Flakey baklava layered with kraut,
Cranberry sauce as dip for souvlaki,
Another of soy for blackened jerk trout;

Mangoes with kimchi, vegemite vodka,
A steamy yam borscht, a well-pressed Cuban,
A Tahitian Treat, a deep-fried latke,
Crêpe Suzette, a tangy dim sum Reuben;

Frankfurter kebabs with Bavarian creams,
Stuffed between crispy frog legs au gratin,
Black Forest samosas with collard greens,
Kangaroo ziti baked fluffy as cotton;

Turkish delight in a bowl of sea chowder,
Belfast potatoes (French-cut) with thyme,
Plantains sprinkled with hot chili powder,
A fish-and-chip goulash wrapped in the Times;

Spaghetti and matza, green tea, and naan
Churros and coffee to slurp with lo mein,
A pint of Foster’s with Red roe spawn,
Well-seasoned Black beans to help raise the cane;

Grape leaf blintzes smothered in Swiss,
A Dutch apple pie—potent and sloppy—
Hamburg beef between sliced Swedish fish,
Saffron rice laced with seeds of poppy;

A spot of Earl Grey with pone of fresh maize,
Some kielbasa chutney brought to a boil,
Some wild boarish bacon with South Sea ways,
On Persian lettuce with vinegar and Oil.

Tags: food, poetry, sim stafford