Introduction: Development of Epulaeryu Poetic Form
The Epulaeryu poem was invented by Joseph S. Spence, Sr., based on years of research. The name was selected while touring the Mediterranean, Asia, and America, and enjoying a variety of succulent and nourishing cuisines and drinks of flavor with an international taste.
In essence, the Epulaeryu poem is about delicious cuisine and drinks from the culinary arts. It consists of seven lines with thirty-three (33) syllables. The first line has seven (7) syllables, the second line five (5), the third line seven (7), the fourth line five (5), the fifth line five (5), the sixth line three (3), and the seventh line has only one (1) syllable which ends with an exclamation mark. The form is 7/5/7/5/5/3/1. Each line has one thought relating to the main cuisine. Therefore, this new poetic form, the Epulaeryu, which has corresponding lines built around the main dish and drinks, ends with an exclamation point, and concludes with the writer’s excitement and feelings about such a specially flavored cuisine.
Part (1)(a) : The Name “Epulae”
I have received several requests from authors seeking further knowledge regarding how the name of the Epulaeryu poetic form was selected by me. I will break the name down in its two parts. Let us start with the first part of the name, “Epulae.” The word Epulae is derived from the Latin word meaning a “feast” or form of feast from the culinary arts.
It could also be classified as a very large meal, a banquet, or to partake in a feast with drinks. One could equate it with a big family barbeque on the fourth of July. Quite possibly, it could be a great Thanksgiving meal. As we know, the Greeks had many feasts for various reasons. Likewise, other nationalities have their own form of festivities with delicious meals, drinks, songs, music, or just a family get together to celebrate and give thanks for various reasons.
Part (1) (b): The Name “Ryu”
The second part of Epulaeryu is “Ryu.” This word was selected from the
Asian arts meaning: “form,” “style,” or a certain way of doing something.
Both of my sons are martial artists with black belts in different forms or styles of martial arts from Korea and Japan. While studying the forms with them, I have noticed particular styles.
As such, we have our own ways of doing things, especially when it comes to cooking a tasty dinner, or a delicious meal. Upon studying the different styles and forms of meals, Ryu was added to Epulae to make the word Epulaeryu. Obviously, this is a special form or style of feast or meal. Thus, the poetic form Epulaeryu is about delicious, tasty, flavorful, appetizing, savory, succulent meals, or feast, from the culinary arts including drinks.
Having served in the army for over 20 years, I have had the opportunity to visit many places in Europe, Asia, and America. During those trips, I have had some of the most delicious meals, have rubbed my tummy many times over, and have toasted many feasts and dinner events. The name has been revised many times over the years before Epulaeryu was finally selected as the name. I will discuss the syllable format of 7/5/7/5/5/3/1/ and how it was selected in another article.
Examples of Epulaeryu Poetry:
Here is an Epulaeryu poem I wrote about lobster and mango juice while vacationing on the Caribbean island of Jamaica:
Island Lobster Treat
On the plate lobster steaming
So finger licking
Pallet and taste buds jumping
Mango juice—real nice!
This taste is just right
Lobster treats?
Yea!
© Joseph Spence, Sr., 12/1/2006
© All Rights Reserved
Sautéed Duck Feast
Sugar with vinegar, great!
Duck sautéed to taste
Onions, ginger, and berries
Skin off; all low fat
Grace? Call the priest now
Nice duck feast
Yea!
© Joseph S. Spence, Sr., 2/8/06
© All Rights Reserved
Comments: This is dedicated to those who appreciate the taste of a
delicious meal of roast duck. This is the dream of those who hunt. The
guys around the campfire roasting a fresh duck are in paradise. Enjoy
the treat!
Bread of Life
Feed us with Your bread of life
Like heaven’s manna
Your springing well quenches thirst
Reviving lost souls
Communion of saints
Bread of life—
Christ!
© Joseph S. Spence, Sr., 2/8/06
© All Rights Reserved
Comments: The bread of life is given during communion. God will
always feed His saints and provide for their welfare.
Scrumptious Scallops
Soy sauce with less sodium
Freshly ground pepper
Driver’s scallops in sweet sauce
Spice and olive oil
Deliciously soft
So tasty
Nice!
© Joseph S. Spence, Sr., 1/6/06
© All Rights Reserved
Comments: This is for those who enjoy the taste of the sea. Scallops
are so soft and tasty. They are low in fat and cholesterol. When
cooked with pasta and greens they are so finger-licking good. Enjoy
the treat!
Tasty Dessert
Butter and sugar with nuts
Sautéed in the pan
Special blend of rum to mix
Sliced fried bananas
Pastry on the top
Delicious
Great!
© Joseph S. Spence, Sr., 2/11/06
© All Rights Reserved
Comments: This is for those who enjoy a tasty dessert after a great
meal. It’s so irresistible and goes especially well with an aromatic cup
of coffee to soothe the soul. Wow!
Crabmeat Feast
Crabmeat for a special treat
Styled for just this feast
Legs flowing with juice when cracked
It’s time to get down
Finger licking good
For my lips
Kiss!
© Joseph S. Spence, Sr., 5/10/06
© All Rights Reserved
Margaret Okubo is currently working on her next book A Treasury of Poems.
Some of her poems may be viewed on www.poetrysoup.com