So Pretty

Collard leaves are so pretty,
On a plate so dandy
Loving soil so sandy,
Much better than candy.

Collard leaves are so pretty
With green tones so bright.
Sleeping during night,
They rise in sunlight.

Collard leaves are so pretty.
No plant likes to lean.
If raw, they are mean
And a bitter green.

Collard leaves are so pretty.
Spread around cow poo.
A little will do.
Wait to eat a few.

Collard leaves are so pretty,
Every morning and night,
Bunched together tight,
Good to the last bite.

Collard leaves are so pretty.
So little they cost.
Ready at first frost,
Without them we’re lost.

Collard leaves are so pretty.
Every plant’s a king.
Eat with chicken wing.
Then praises we’ll sing.

Collard leaves are so pretty,
Far better than kale,
Every fall for sale,
Don’t buy if they’re pale.

Collard leaves are so pretty,
Greener than turnips,
Juices for our sips --
Pot likker to our lips!

Collard leaves are so pretty.
When gone, everyone grieves
And wants more huge leaves
To eat with field peas.

Collard leaves are so pretty.
When stiff, hard to fold,
Quickly they are sold.
They’re worth more than gold.

Collard leaves are so pretty.
Vitamins they pack
Put them in a sack.
Sweeten with fatback.

Collard leaves are so pretty,
Pleasing to the eye.
Without them we might die.
Let’s eat some – oh my!



Note: This poem, prepared for the Sixth Annual Collard Festival in Maxton, NC, that I attended on Nov. 12, 2011, placed first in the collard poetry contest. It's a prize winner!