With tender care the pumpkin’s grown
The farmer’s hands the seeds have sown
The hands then pick the ripened fare
And sold for pennies, fair and square
The hungry shopper buys the food
And totes it home with other goods
It sits and waits with style and form
Its coat the bench top to adorn
The mottled greys and greens disguise
The vibrant orange flesh inside
Until its time has come at last
the mealtime now approaches fast
The skin is stripped with sharpened blade
Revealing straight and angled glade
Of sweating flesh of amber hue
The making of the pumpkin stew
Each cut is marked with strength and thought
Each piece is tossed and stirred with fork
The steam exudes a scented plume
Anticipation fills the room
From sunshine, water, tender care
And recipe for kitchen fare
With steamy smells of sure delight
That honour family appetite
‘Til horrid blast of Thermo-mix
Destroys the ambient sense of peace
The longed for meal of quiet enjoy
Is taken by the kitchen toy
The shattered still of stirring spoon
Casts away the easy mood
Banishing the vital soul
Leaving less in soup-filled bowls