This isn't strictly menopause-related, but menopause is a complicating factor for a friend of mine who recently started chemo for breast cancer. After she bemoaned the need to abstain from various foodstuffs she enjoys (especially soft cheese, but emphatically not kimchi) I wrote her this poem. She is very happy for me to share it far and wide! I hope it raises a smile for others in a similar position, and please do share further if you want.
You can keep the kimchi
For Penny
When chemo’s done, I’ll drink a sea
of whole untreated milk in tea.
I’ll eat a Ferris wheel of Brie,
but you can keep the kimchi.
I’ll feast on oysters, meat done rare,
eat frites with moules marinières,
break bread in molten Camembert,
but you can keep the kimchi.
I’ll wolf down Wiltshire ham for two,
quaff casks of home-made scrumpy brew,
scoff sourdough toast with Danish Blue,
but you can keep the kimchi.
Bring cockles, mussels live-alive-o!
Eggs Benedict would fill a hole
or licking out the mixing bowl
then gorging on a Gorgonzol-
a — you can keep the kimchi.
Salami, sushi, scallops, clam,
smoked salmon, mayo, mousse, meringue,
prosciutto, pâté, Parmesan,
just
kindly keep the kimchi!
