A CERTAIN HUNGER

A couple of Saturdays ago I was once again judging the poetry/creative writing competition at Winscombe Michaelmas Fair, as I have for the past seven years or so. Paul Mortimer gave me hand this time, thanks Paul.
As we stood admiring the jam sponges we got to talking about how they are selected. Neither of us knowing anything about the judging of cakes. So we decided that this would be a good subject to write a poem about.
I spent part of the afternoon writing a list of words and phrases which I thought might make it into the poem or at least be a starting point.

The next day I wrote this:

The Song of the Sponge Cake Judge

This morning I ate no breakfast

for the task requires a certain hunger

and must be approached with respect.

Half can be discarded on first glance,

for perfection is exacting.

Never forget this is science not art.

Television has a lot to answer for,

it creates lazy illusions.

If it were that easy,

everyone could do it.

The list of words gave me the voice for the character. I wanted someone who did not subscribe to the idea that cookery is art.
I think the poem could be about there, but it will go away for a couple of months now.
Here is Sufyan Stevens.

I think Carrie and Lowell is a stunning lp.
Until next time.