Many years ago, “didactic” poetry was very common – in other words, poetry that explicitly sought to instruct the reader in some kind of skill or knowledge, whether moral, philosophical, or practical.
AND THE ASSIGNMENT IS: write the latter kind of “how to” poem – a didactic poem that focuses on a practical skill. Hopefully, you’ll be able to weave the concrete details of the action into a compelling verse.
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FOR MiLADY HEART
It is really very simple to Romance a Dinner for Two;
Provided, of course, your armour is willing to dine with you!
Slowly, you need to plan for candles, music and roses;
And any other little things, if the night proposes —
To be extra special; for you and your darling dear,
When you ask, but then are told, a date for the following year!
It has happened, so believe me, as I tell you what to do;
You need to get some answers before you Romance your Dinner for Two.
Do you know their favourite colour? If not, Romance falls to Red;
Do you know their favourite flower(s)? And with that being said,
Be careful what you purchase and just how much is spent;
Some people are very sensitive to strong and fragrant scents.
Next, we need the right music for Ambiance, to create —
Those locked, loving glances not face-down asleep in your plate!
Now, we’re ready for the menu: fowl, fish or meat?
(This is when you need know: what your Sweetheart likes to eat.).
I thought I knew my darling and made a three-course meal;
Of salad greens, shrimp cocktails and octopi and eel!
So, do not do what I did and make that huge mistake;
Find out if Chicken Kiev is good, or a Chateaubriand-type steak.
Then figure out sides and deserts — remember you’re on your own;
So, keep it in your budget, unless you think you need a loan.
And be sure you know your kitchen, do you have what you need to cook?
Pots? Pans? A first aid kit? Utensils and recipe book?
If you’ve never cooked before, now is NOT the time to try!
If you’ve succeeded burning water or repeatedly boil eggs dry,
Look through the Yellow Pages and find “Delivery“;
From a restaurant in the style that you want your meal to be.
Quick! Hide those paper bags and shred that paid receipt!
Situate the dinner plates and make the meals look neat.
Put the chilled wine in its bucket, and top it up with ice;
Now go and get cleaned up and make sure your clothes are nice,
Turn on the dinner music — not too loud, just because —
You will not hear the door, or the not-so-quiet clause,
Of your date, who is wondering: “Is the dummy even home?”
And your romantic dinner for two will now be eaten alone.
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