Pie Patch
Susi Bocks
lovely round kirbus
your meats entice me
encourage me to slice you open
to maniacally empty your being
cut you into pieces
and mash up your insides
to make an orange slurry
adding spices to enhance your flavor
then pour you into a pie dish
…
You may find the rest of the poem here.
The poem “Pie Patch” delves into the theme of transformation by using the process of preparing a pumpkin for pie as a metaphor. It captures cooking as both an act of creation and destruction, highlighting the intricate balance between these two forces. The poet employs playful yet violent imagery, utilizing intense phrases like “slice you open” and “maniacally empty your being.” This language adds an aggressive layer to the cooking context, allowing readers to witness how the pumpkin transforms from a whole, enticing gourd into a completely new and delicious creation.
Structured in free verse, the poem flows organically, reflecting the informal yet intense nature of cooking. This style invites readers into a vivid, personal experience of the kitchen. The tone is playful yet slightly sinister, as the speaker’s enthusiasm for dismembering the “kirbus” conveys both joy and a hint of darker undertones. Lines like “maniacally empty your being” reveal a gleeful embrace of destruction, while the invitation to share the pie with friends brings warmth and community into the mix.
The imagery in “Pie Patch” emphasizes the chaotic beauty of cooking. The speaker describes the pumpkin preparation as a joyful yet ruthless task, transforming a simple recipe into a dramatic act. The phrase “place you inside a small hell” introduces dark humor, underscoring the intensity of the heat the pumpkin’s insides endure. As the poem progresses, the transformation deepens; the speaker mashes the pumpkin into an “orange slurry,” changing its texture and flavor. The addition of spices enhances this evolution, suggesting that cooking is an art form that reveals the best in ingredients.
Despite the earlier brutality, a sense of care emerges when the pie is adorned with “silky sweet cream.” This final touch symbolizes a gentle transformation into something beautiful and inviting after the intense baking process. Ultimately, the transformation culminates in sharing the pie with friends, highlighting themes of community and celebration. The speaker captures the joy of sharing something that has undergone significant change, inviting others to “ooh and aah” over the final product.
Overall, “Pie Patch” illustrates the theme of transformation, showing how something raw can become a delightful treat filled with warmth and connection. The blend of playful violence with the joy of cooking creates a vivid portrayal of the pumpkin’s journey, encouraging readers to appreciate the artistry involved in such a seemingly simple act as making a pie. The poem’s exciting mix of imagery offers a unique perspective on cooking, making it a compelling exploration of creation and destruction.
Photo by Sea Johnson on Unsplash
