English Poetry. Elizabeth Bishop. Lines Written in the Fannie Farmer Cookbook. Элизабет Бишоп.

Elizabeth Bishop (Элизабет Бишоп)

Lines Written in the Fannie Farmer Cookbook

You won’t become a gourmet cook 
By studying our Fannie’s book-- 
Her thoughts on Food & Keeping House 
Are scarcely those of L’evi-Strauss. 
Nevertheless, you’ll find, Frank dear, 
The basic elements are here. 
And if a problem should arise: 
The Souffl’e fall before your eyes, 
Or strange things happen to the Rice 
--You know I love to give advice. 

                Elizabeth
                Christmas, 1971 
          

* Forbidden word 
** Forbidden phrase 


P.S. Fannie should not be underrated; 
She has become sophisticated. 
She’s picked up many gourmet* tricks 
Since the edition of ’96.

Elizabeth Bishop’s other poems:

1. At the Fishhouses
2. Roosters
3. Manners
4. Squatter’s Children
5. The Man-Moth

To the dedicated English version of this website

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