Linda’s prompt for the Inkings challenge this month comes from Ethical ELA’s September Open Write by Kelsey Bigelow: “What is the happiest thing you’ve ever tasted?”
In brainstorming for the poem, I unearthed a memory of racing to the DQ to get a cone for Dad, and making it home before it melted. Being able to make him happy was sweeter than my own butterscotch dip cone.
Same thing with the good luck dumplings Nai Nai serves before I fly back to Ohio from San Diego. They are so SO yummy, but the best part is her happiness.
Three or four elections ago I brought some Nerds Gummy Clusters to snack on through the long day and to share with my fellow roster judges. This has become a tradition which we were delighted to share with a new member of our team on Tuesday. He had never had them. The look on his face was priceless.
Today I went for a long walk and brainstormed ideas for this poem. I drank in the delicious blue of the sky and savored the crispy crunch under my feet as I walked. Pure Fall happiness! (And that MOON last night!)
Here’s how the rest of the Inklings met this month’s challenge:
Heidi @my juicy little universe
Margaret @Reflections on the Teche
Linda @A Word Edgewise
Catherine @Reading to the Core
Molly @Nix the Comfort Zone
Laura has this week’s Poetry Friday roundup at Laura Purdie Salas.
A(nother) Year of Reading 
Ah, I loved the Dairy Queen on 204th Street so much, and your poem brought that all back! I especially love the snapshots and the “Happiness is on the menu” repeating line, and “crispy crunch” ending! Thank you!!!
LikeLike
I love that prompt, and may have to try it myself. Your poem is full of good things, Mary Lee! Just this week I passed a store in NYC, near my route back and forth to a class, that said “New Dumpling Shop Coming.” Happiness!
LikeLike
Definitely my kind of poem! Love all the examples of happiness you shared, remembering how I used to love DQ dipped cones and dilly bars. The big bowl of blue sky is such a wonderful metaphor and image.
LikeLike
Your happiness is contagious, Mary Lee! My dad used to take me to Dairy Queen after I went to the dentist, which makes me laugh when I think about it 🙂
LikeLike
Yes that moon was gorgeous, the last two nights, and I drank it all in…Delicious poem especially that cool blue sky and “crispy crunch under my feet,” and your gummy treats, thanks! ☺️
LikeLike
I love that we were all enjoying that gorgeous moon! I’m also delighted with your menu of happy tastings. What a feast!
LikeLike
Your various responses to the refrain provided readers with a diverity of tasty treats Mary Lee, but I particularly enjoyed the clever turn in the final stanza celebrating a delight of a totally different kind. A nifty shift.
LikeLike
Including the moon makes me happy, Mary Lee, and the other things special to you, wonderful to read. I do also love that big bowl of blue and crispy crunch – my life lately! It’s a great prompt, isn’t it? I’ve enjoyed everyone’s very much.
LikeLike
Yes to a big bowl of blue (sky) and crunching underfoot. On my walks these days I am crunching hundreds of acorns. I love how you tied together all of these memories. I’m happy we had a happy prompt!
LikeLike
I’ll take one order of big, blue sky-extra crispy crunch…and throw in a DQ cone, please!
LikeLike
Lovely, Mary Lee! I especially love your repeating line “Happiness is on the menu.” A wonderful prompt indeed.
LikeLike
This poem is so happy–full of the feeling of celebration and sharing. That DQ cone….I love it!
LikeLike
I love the idea of reaching for the *happiest* thing you’ve ever tasted. What a terrific prompt — it has inspired such culinarily cozy and inviting posts from all of you. Your smorgasbord of happiness has put a huge smile on my face tonight. Thank you. xo
LikeLike
Mary Lee, these are such sweet memories of food shared with love, with welcome, with care. No wonder they taste happy! And that expansion at the end to the moon…sigh…
LikeLike
Starting with DQ and a cone and ending with the blue of the sky is lovely. I may have to try this.
LikeLike
Mary Lee, you started with sunshine and happiness. Each taste you scooped up was filled with joy. Thanks for the Happiness on the Menu. I am about to create a new cookie of happiness.
LikeLike
Mary Lee, I love gummy Nerds! How fun to introduce them to someone who hasn’t tried this candy! I love the way your poem repeats the first line in each stanza and I love the last stanza, making the environment to be food for all. Thanks for this joyous post!
LikeLike