Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

(Despite all the merits of writing in blank verse
I don't think in iambs; my feet have more toes;
The syllables fall out in three time or six time:
Yes, dactyls, my favourite -- why jigs please me so.
Though English sounds funny if nothing but dactyls,
A trochee or spondee helps even it out,
And ending the line with that so-famous iamb
Leaves readers a chance to inhale for a sec.
So while this won't sound all that much like the great bard;
The spirit of this week will no doubt come through.)

While shopping, the discerning, non-meat-eating shopper
Will read all the fine print on boxes with care.
(Interrobang must be more careful than I am,
Likewise mammasteed; both alergic to milk.
Avoidance of critters is my only limit --
Important but not a concern for a doctor --
Lucky me, whey won't kill me and neither will garlic.)
To me cheese is yummy, so into my basket
Go packets of instantly cheesy good pasta
For days when I'm not feeling fit for real cooking.
Enriched macaroni, and whey and some Cheddar,
With broccoli, parsley, and various spices --
But there at the bottoms is "Natural Flavours"
(Which shouldn't mean anything terribly odd)...

So into the pot goes milk, water, and butter
To boil as the package directions instruct.
I open the packet to dump in the contents,
But damn, is that chicken my nose has detected?
Those "Natural Flavours" ought be more specific;
I no longer trust this quick pasta from Lipton.
I read the damned package, I checked the fine printng;
It shouldn't be hard to look out for this stuff!

(I know in these lines I have been inconsistent
In landing on one beat or ending on two.
Forgive me, I'm sleepy, and bound for my pillow.
It's naptime chez D'Glenn; it probably shows.)