Chef
(i.m. Kevin Higgins)
You saw the world for what it was
and responded with a flambé of possibility.
You saw the charlatans for who they were
and knew exactly the combination of spices
to season them with before you roasted them.
The truth was always on the menu no matter
how many choked on it and then howled
as if their intolerances were your fault.
Elsewhere, bland and tasteless fare
went begging for five-star reviews,
ensured “safe” was always on a buy-one-
get-a-liberal-endorsement-free deal.
Not for you. Your response was to smile
and sharpen the cutlery and turn up the heat.
Neil Fulwood was born in Nottingham, where he still lives and works. He has published three full collections with Shoestring Press and a volume of political satires with Smokestack Books.