In the heat of it
a slice of tomato
has skidded on mayonnaise
and ended up straddling the crust
Layers of lettuce leaves
are held up behind it,
limp slivers of cucumber
losing their cool
At the centre of it all
is a slow-moving wedge
of well-matured cheddar
heavily laden with pickle
In the care home’s crowded corridor
Iris is stationary, thinking of lunch.
I like jam sandwiches, she says.
This poem is for her.
Poet, singer, songwriter and actor Heather Wastie is The Worcestershire Poet Laureate 2015/16. In 2013 she was Writer in Residence at the Museum of Carpet, Kidderminster. She has published four illustrated poetry collections and has a busy schedule of commissions and performances.
This so perfectly sums up sad cheese salad sandwiches, which are such a fundamental part of our culture. The care home reference is also poignant. Loved it.