Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Shel Silverstein

I just came across this wonderful poem by the children's poet Shel Silverstein:


Italian Food
Oh, how I love Italian food.
I eat it all the time,
Not just 'cause how good it tastes
But 'cause how good it rhymes.
Minestrone, cannelloni,
Macaroni, rigatoni,
Spaghettini, scallopini,
Escarole, braciole,
Insalata, cremolata, manicotti,
Marinara, carbonara,
Shrimp francese, Bolognese,
Ravioli, mostaccioli,
Mozzarella, tagliatelle,
Fried zucchini, rollatini,
Fettuccine, green linguine,
Tortellini, Tetrazzini,
Oops—I think I split my jeani.

The language of food, much like that of gardening (zinnia, gardenia, daisy, beebalm), can be a meal in itself.  For some of us, it's our only real point of familiarity with other languages and cultures.  I love how Silverstein plays with these words; you can imagine a little kid memorizing this poem and reciting it at top volume in the kitchen.

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