Poetry About Elizabethan Era Dining

Rushes soften the stone beneath the benches. Pepper and clove announce a costly dish. At the high table, silver catches firelight. Below, trenchers darken under meat and gravy. Every seat declares a place in the kingdom. The feast tastes different according to rank.

Look again from the quieter edge. Pepper and clove announce a costly dish. A smaller detail changes the whole scene. Below, trenchers darken under meat and gravy. Attention loosens the first easy answer. The feast tastes different according to rank.

Rushes soften the stone beneath the benches. Hours pass, but the image does not leave. At the high table, silver catches firelight. It returns us to Tudor tables, bread, spice, class, ceremony, kitchens, and the social order revealed by a meal. Every seat declares a place in the kingdom. The day continues with a more attentive heart.