Her Master’s Appetites
by Nicola Daly
He had an appetite for meat, particularly beef.
He longed for tongue, trotters and pig cheeks.
He enjoyed rump as much as heart or veal.
He frequently feasted on chitterlings and veal,
partridge hot or cold, oysters twice a week,
fish only on holy days and mutton only ever when he was in debt.
He had a liking for sooty servants’ noses,
long married legs, milky little breasts
and young flesh scented with roses.
He took each lover as if she was a gift
to be devoured like the truckles, truffles and figs.
