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Sally Murphy, Australian author

Poetry Friday: What do poetry and chicken cacciatore have in common?

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Last week I posted about trying to define poetry. With Right Way Down coming out at the end of the month, I am putting lots of time into pondering how to spread the poetry word.

So when it came time to post today, I thought I’d continue the theme, and perhaps look at how else I could write about poetry. I thought I would write a found poem, or back out poem, and headed to dictonary.com to see what the definition of poetry might offer.

What  it offered was a surprising twist.  There were three possible definitions. The first two were fairly straightforward. But the third reminded me that we sometimes call things poetry when they have  ‘ qualities that are suggestive of or likened to those of poetry’.  And there, in italics, was an example: Marcel, that chicken cacciatore was an absolute poem.

Hmm. Not only did I instantly want to eat chicken cacciatore (it’s been a loooong time) but also, my brain wanted to make that cacciatore into an actual poem.  So, instead of a poem about poetry, I ended up sitting down and writing a poem about cacciatore.

Chicken Cacciatore

Rich aroma

fills my nose

my mouth

my heart.

Onions

and herbs

chicken

and tomatoes

and all that rich rich goodness

simmering

on the stove.

Mamma has a recipe

but

when I looked

it was missing

the one key ingredient

I know she uses every time:

Love.

(Sally Murphy, 2024)

So what do cacciatore and poetry have in common? Everything! Carefully put together, with love, to fill up the senses – and, if  they’re well made, leaving you wanting more, whether it’s right now, or tomorrow, or next week.

Me? I want more poetry right now, so I am off to check out the love-filled Poetry Friday roundup, which is hosted by the wonderful Carol. Afterwards, I just might be digging out my recipe book!

Comments

  2. I’ve always been amused when something has been defined as poetry, like your chicken cacciatore. The highest form of art and creativity. Your poem is complete with the adding of love at the end.

  3. It was such fun to read about your journey to this poem 🙂 The idea of food made with love, or other emotions, always makes me think of “Like Water for Chocolate”, the novel by Laura Esquivel. Have you read it?

  5. Brilliant! I often go to the dictionary for a literal definition before writing…which is funny because back in my school days I really did not enjoy dictionary exercises. I adore your newest blog photo! What a happy face. Can’t wait to hear how the book does. I need to see if I can get a copy in the US. I’ll bet Amazon can help.

  8. Anything that excites the senses and creates pleasure can be, I guess, considered poetic, and cacciatore qualifies! My Italian husband would definitely agree as it is his favorite dish. I hope you make some with plenty of love.

  10. YES! This whole post fills me with happiness and wonder and joy…and makes me want to cook all kinds of delish poems. Thank you! (Love your. new pic, too!) xo

  11. I can taste that love filled cacciatore already! Your analogy of the cacciatore and poetry “carefully put together, with love, to fill up the senses – and, if they’re well made, leaving you wanting more…” is spot on. Thank you.

  12. What a delish poem Sally, I’m ready to have some! I think my mind would have traveled down your path too… Dictionaries always have so many fascinating examples and tidbits that inspire! All the best with “Right Way Down,” Fun cover too, thanks!

  13. Sally, chicken and poetry – yum. You did a wonderful job of making us drool over a plate of chicken cacciatore made with love. Come to think of it, my Nonnie always added her special Love ingredient in all she made. What a darling poem for children to ponder!

  15. Ah, Marcel AND Sally, that Chicken Cacciatore is an absolute poem! So very cute! I’m glad you took time to write about chicken, and the analogy of love in poetry and cooking is appreciated.

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