II
Modern bookshops and libraries
Have miles of cookery books
Written by a wide variety
Of well known celebrity cooks.
The background information is great
The pictures - mouthwatering - sublime
But to acquire the exotic ingredients
Is expensive - in money and time.
Spices should be used sparingly -
A pinch - a few threads - a grate;
Then they move to the back of the cupboard
'Till they well past their sell by date
It all looked so simple on TV
But I am forced to confess
It wasn't worth all the effort
And the kitchen's a terrible mess.
In spite of the programmes and books
It really is no surprise
That the sale of ready-made meals
Continues to rise.
