When did I last enjoy a custard cream?

Words & Video
By Paul Hutton


When did I last enjoy a custard cream?

The yellow packet lay in the larder,
Left yet again from the Christmas hamper,
Those sweet, nibbly, decorated biscuits,
Filled with vanilla, they looked delicious.

I thought they'd be nice with a cup of tea,
But those custard creams were not meant for me,
I just couldn't peel the wrapper away
And the best before date was yesterday.

A sharp knife split the stubborn pack in two
And I was sorely tempted to try a few,
But they weren't good enough for me to eat,
So out I went, to give the birds a treat.

I threw them upon the newly mowed grass
Then up in my room I watched through the glass,
Small birds were feeding on the food they'd found,
Till Mister Bully came chattering down.

They fled in fear to the hedges and trees,
With all to himself the magpie looked pleased,
But he'd not be dining upon the lawn,
He preferred some privacy later on.

He picked up a biscuit and off he flew,
Across the main road to hide it from view
And down by the burn, garden, field and lane,
He flew back and forth till not one remained:

I'll buy a packet tomorrow, I said,
But my craving for custard creams was such,
That I took my bicycle from the shed
And peddled down to a shop in Portrush.

Written by Paul Hutton

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• poetry
• poem
• custard
• creams
• biscuits
• birds
• magpies
• garden
• portrush
• ulster
• irish
• poet