Sunsation

                     Margaret Gosden

SUNSATION

Maybe it's a trick of the light;
Maybe the camera did it.
Maybe it's always looked like this
But a sort of blindness hid it.
It is a disc no longer,
It's a round and plumped-up globe;
It's something we normally only see
In a scientific probe.
A few moments ago it was paler,
And soon it's going to blaze,
But this shot has been taken
During the briefest phase.
I find it fascinating
And beautiful as well
Is this photo truly unique?
If it is, please tell.
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A BIT ON THE SIDE!

A really impressive side-dish adds some sparkle to a meal.

And when it's a conversation piece you can guess how good you'll feel.

'What's this?' they'll say and peer at it and then you'll gladly speak

On the magic one can weave with just one very humble leek!

Leeks need washing first of all; run the tap and wash out grit,

Then halve each leek right down the middle with an even slit.

Now cut each piece in half again as per the illustration.

You cannot say about this dish that there's much preparation!

By now your oven's heated to 180 degrees

So have on hand the chicken stock, olive oil, chopped thyme and cheese.

Put the leeks in a baking-dish; pour chicken stock around

(It's better you don't cover them, at least that's what I've found.)

Sprinkle olive oil, and thyme as well, and lots of parmesan cheese.

And while the dish cooks for half an hour sit back and take your ease.

Your main course may be quite ho-hum, quite dull and really bland,

But this side-dish will make your meal a beater to beat the band!

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Ingredients

•  large, plump leeks, one for each guest
• chicken stock
• extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper
• grated parmesan
• a little freshly chopped thyme

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