Instruction in Omelette

March 16, 2010
Another fun little assignment from Creative Writing 238. Write a poem giving instruction for making or doing something. Bon appetit!


The question of which came first
     is irrelevant:
you need to start with eggs.
Open them carefully,
     avoid the jagged pieces of shell
     that may slip through,
into a clean bowl.
Beat vigorously, whip emphatically
     into a frothy foam
     in which albumen and yolk,
     white and yellow
are inseparable.
Peel an onion--
     white, yellow, red--
     the choice is yours.
Slice this onion.
Chop this onion.
     The tears are unavoidable.
Set aside.
Place a teflon coated pan
     upon the burner--
     medium heat.
A little oil to lubricate,
     form a layer of protection
          from the hot surface,
     impart a little flavor.
Gently pour the beaten mixture
     into the heated pan--
     allow it to form--
          slowly.
Layer upon layer of shredded cheese--
     cheddar, mild or sharp,
     maybe mozzarella or monterey jack.
Heap onion,
fold,
slide to plate.
Enjoy.