I feel so lucky to have spent another year writing and talking about poetry with my poetry sisters. For all of our lives and worries and distance, we are able to do this one small thing — to make sense of something, to make something make sense once a month. I’m so grateful.
We are wrapping up 2023 by writing an Elfchen — a very spare German form, otherwise known as an Elevenie. Elfchens are five lines and eleven words long. Some sources leave it at that, others suggest starting with a thought, object, color or the like, and expanding upon it.
I took that as my starting point, focused on transformation (our theme for the year) and called it GASTRONOMY since I also had a particular challenge to hone on scientific processes. So, here goes and thanks for being with us this year, everyone.
Gastronomy
An Elfchen
Soup
Stovetop alchemy
Take stock first
Add what you have
Plenty
Read more Elfchens here:
Tricia
Sara
Tanita
Mary Lee
Laura
Kelly
And lots more end-of-year poetry over at Michelle Kogan’s.
We aren’t able to share our January prompt yet because we haven’t yet planned 2024. Stay tuned, and be safe and well everyone.
Oh, yes! That clever wordplay – instruction for life and a good broth all in one go. Love it.
This poem is the definition of pithyy, a gift in itself. Happy crossing of the year’s doorsill, Liz!
You’ve said so much in so few words “Take stock,” both literally and figuratively. I love the phrase “stovetop alchemy.”
Oh, Liz, you nailed it–the recipe for soup and for contentment. Happy New Year!
I love the line “take stock first.” I also love making soup and it does feel like alchemy. Happy New Year!
Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Your last line conveys a tone of gratitude–perfect for this time of year. Happy New Year!
Wow, is that good! And a wonderful reminder that we do have all we need inside us. A veritable garden — a soup! Happy New Year!
Liz, what precious instruction for soup and life. “take stock” “add what you have” for “plenty.” I want to use this as my life message for 2024! Beautiful.
Thank you for this, Liz! “Taking stock” in so many ways.
I’m loving all of these elfchens. And I love the double meaning of stock.
It’s a blessing of an elfchen, Liz, for the year ahead. Wishing you “plenty” in the new year!
Soup is life! It’s also our traditional NYE meal. We’ll be taking stock tomorrow night. Thanks for sharing this, Liz.
Liz, I love your poem’s title. Taking stock before beginning is important not only in making soup, but in all aspects of life! Happy New Year!
So much “plenty,” delish, and bubbling over aromas here! Reminds me of the book, “Stone Soup,” and “Lessons in Chemistry,” All the best with your scientific processes… Thanks, and Happy New Year!
Soup is a particular alchemy, but making both cinnamon rolls and bread recently AND reading the fantastic book ENTANGLED LIFE (illustrated edition, but I’m going back for the unabridged…it was that good!) has me thinking about the alchemy of yeast, too. Like Tanita said, your poem is good life advice. I’m in awe that you held true to both the group theme AND your own twist on it. I’ll try to be more rigorous this coming year!
What a spot on elfchen. We make gumbo in this part of the world and the soup pot keeps on giving.