i seasoned new cast iron today
heavy metal cookware
scrubbed in hot hot hot soapywater with a stiff brush
the foundry's preservative turned the soapsuds gray
leaving a sticky ring around the sink and staining towels
unprotected metal trying to rust as it dried
needing a coating of shortening before being baked
for an hour then allowed to cool.
transforming into non-stick cookware
eventually turning black from use
the odor of hot metal and cooked grease remains
in the air, stinging the nostrils and eyes
a small price to pay for an heirloom to be
as well as incentive to care for it properly
so this process never has to be repeated


©2003 These works are copyrighted by the author and all rights are reserved. Theft will be punished by having your nipples rubbed with a cheese grater. Unless of course you like that sort of thing, in which case you'll be made to listen to telemarketers and tel-evangelists until you give them all your money.

- posted by Roadkill Poet @ 9:16 PM