SHROVE TUESDAY
The last Tuesday before the start of Lent,
All the rich things food-wise were spent
In making rich simal cake and best of all
Light fluffy pancakes enough for all who call.
Lent was a times for cutting back on good things
And the perishables were used up no waste to bring,
Oh the hunting for the eggs before the big day
Went on all over the place, no one got in the way.
Scambled eggs for breakfast, sausages and bacon too,
A big meal until lunch it would see you safely through.
Then came pancakes, thin, smothered in sugar and lemon,
I know for sure this dish will be made up in heaven,
At even time there are few who want a hearty meal
But wait for more pancakes and simal cake to reveal,
And if someone is out late and the batter is sitting there,
You always want more even if you have had your share.
It was worth six weeks of restrictions on certain things,
Chocolates, candies, fancy cakes, goodies the gypsy brings,
Always for a good cause we stopped, money to save,
As I looked in the store window and passed by I felt brave.
But on Easter Sunday even though a special meal was cooked,
For most of us it was a batch of pancakes for which we looked.
Eaten in our underwear so as not to dirty each brand new dress,
Then prancing off to church, showing off I must truly confess.
(Millicent) Ann Margetson 8 February 2005