Ode to a Fruitcake

ODE TO A FRUITCAKE

How lovely, how lucious

you seasonal treat

I loudly pronounce you

as fitting to eat.

I will not mock you or hide you in shame

"I ADORE FRUITCAKE!"

 I proudly proclaim

So stuffed full of coconut, spices and berries

How I love to devour all those green and red cherries

Pineapple, nuts, raisins abundant

Need I go on? Am I sounding redundant?

I can't help myself, I get so excited

Just thinking about it, I'm oh-so-delighted!
Fruitcake for breakfast

Fruitcake for lunch

Fruitcake for dinner and high tea and brunch

Nibble a slice in the dark of the night

As you walk through the kitchen and pinch off a bite

Just a small little nibble, a sweet little taste

Who cares if the sugar goes straight to your waist?

It's Christmas! The holidays merry and bright

The season of yule logs and cookies and lights

Of  Santa and sleigh rides and reindeer and holly

Of baking and eggnog and elves that are jolly

Of carols and tinsel and garlands and bows

Of stolen sweet kisses beneath mistletoe.

And fruitcake! Yes! Fruitcake! A heavenly treat!

Sent straight from the angels for mortals to eat.

Full of fruit! And it's healthy! Don't even think twice-

It's a full balanced diet in one little slice.

So if you start groaning when fruitcake appears

and the thought of one bite quickly brings you to tears

If you simply re-gift it or secretly stash

Every slice that you're given straight into the trash

Then you've been so misguided, and I guarantee

They didn't use Grandmother's real recipe

The one that requires fruit by the pound

Hours of chopping, all done by hand

Fresh shelled pecans from old Southern trees

Raisins and dates (just a splash of whiskey!) 

If you're not a believer, a true devotee

I suggest you first taste one and then you will see.
And if you are one who turns up your nose
At the mention of fruitcake, then I say to those
that condemn the sweet fruitcake, that most noble treat
Do not belittle that which I eat!
The symbol of Christmas, a holiday pleasure
A family tradition, a long-lasting treasure.
Ah! Fruitcake, sweet fruitcake, I sing out your name
In a holiday carol,  I sing of your fame!
And to all who adore you and in you delight,
I wish Merry Christmas in each tasty bite!