Lauderdale: 'Cheeson's greetings' from the Christmas poet
Thanks to Chris Wagner of Hilton Head Island for sharing his annual Christmas poem.
This is the 29th year that Chris, longtime bar manager at Crazy Crab in Harbour Town, has contributed a Christmas poem to the newspaper.
His topic this year comes as he finds himself eating less meat but enjoying cheese more than ever. He dedicates the poem to "my wonderful friends and humanitarians, John and Linda Phillips," and encloses this bonus verse about a friend and popular islander who recently died:
"Here's to Phil Henry -- the man with the tan;
He loved our waters -- he loved our land.
He loved to make drinks and hear a good band;
I just hope St. Peter's a big Green Bay fan."
Cheeson's Greetings
Of all the food man made to please,
I think my favorite might be cheese.
Seven hundred plus varieties,
Help feed the world's societies.
It's been around four thousand years,
Invented just after man brewed beer.
Made from cows or sheep or goats,
This comfort food sure gets my vote.
I like it raw, I like it baked,
I like it on my Philly steak.
I like it 'cause it's always ready,
I like it mixed in my spaghetti.
I like it grilled, I like it fried,
I like a piece on top of pie.
Burgers grilled with melted cheddar.
Inside an omelet: nothing's better.
In tacos, chili or stuffed plobanos,
Ziti topped with aged Romano.
My wife sure makes a great cheesecake;
Cheese fondue is fun to make.
Havarti, Gouda, pepper jack;
For breakfast, dinner, lunch or snack.
Bleu cheese, feta, Provolone;
If you like cheese you're not alone.
Good bread, fresh fruit with roasted Brie,
Is all my body ever needs.
Muenster cheese on warm Ciabatta;
Pasta filled with smooth Ricotta.
Wine and cheese is dignified.
Extra cheese on pizza pie.
On top of crackers or with a chip,
It adds great taste to any dip.
Shaved Parmesan, pimento spread,
hot grilled cheese on whole wheat bread.
Mozzarella, ham and Swiss;
Cheese improves most any dish.
Lox and bagels with soft cream cheese;
Gorgonzola from overseas.
Cheesy nachos sure taste great;
Cottage cheese will help lose weight.
I like it stringy, I like it grated;
In a sauce or neatly plated.
I buy big blocks, I buy it sliced;
I buy it chunked, I buy it diced.
I do love cheese served every way;
I could eat cheese every day.
One final thought concerning cheese;
Most doctors say it stops disease.
Now Christmas time is finally here;
With lots of joy and lots of cheer;
And I'll be smiling ear to ear;
Enjoying cheese with ice cold beer.
Merry Christmas to all,
And to all a Gouda night.
This story was originally published December 19, 2015 at 9:21 PM with the headline "Lauderdale: 'Cheeson's greetings' from the Christmas poet."