Command performance, all players in place,
marinated, sliced, shredded, diced,
kneaded and baked, parboiled and chilled,
devilled, chopped and generously spiced.
Fussed over for hours in night-before prep,
the players know they'll be stars of the show,
whether at backyard picnic or barbeque
or to ultimate tailgating they will go.
THE CHARACTERS
"Alfresco," the grill-man's dependable friend,
powered by gas or charcoal briquettes,
massive and manly, well equipt,
or tailgating portables, star featurettes.
"Cheddarwurst," protein's down-to-earth representative,
leading the way for original bratwurst, beer simmered,
huge ground beef patties, skewered steak and veggies,
butter topped tenderloin and famed knockwurst.
"Cheddarwurst," also heralding trays of Wisconsin cheeses,
aged cheddar, muenster, spicey pepper jack and bricks,
the world famous cheddar cheese food spreads,
fresh cheese curds, and for the grill side, mozarella sticks.
"Crusty," represents crunchy whole grain loaves of super-bread,
filled with cheeses and herbs, topped with seeds,
hearty caraway rye, dark pumpernickel, honey wheat
and rugged buns, just what a plump bratwurst needs.
"GoodCarbo" stands tall for homegrown produce,
layered, party ready, in big serving containers,
bedded with crisp romaine, contrasting itself, light aginst dark,
accented with zippy red and green peppers, flavor maintainers!
"GoodCarbo" sprinkles prickly, pungent rosemary.
hearty sage, tender yet spicey basil, bright tasting mint,
mixes in the crunch of the healing cruciferous broccoli and cauliflower,
shredded carrots and deep red cabbage, sliced leeks a subtle hint.
"GoodCarbo " saves for last the irresistable tumble of tomatoes,
cascades of bam-pow cherry, slices of large juicy reds,
adds flavor enhancing lemon wedges, bottles of olive oil,
vinegar, homemade ketchup and horseradish mustard to turn heads.
"Spud," hot roasted, along with sweet corn, soaked first in cold water,
then grilled, stand out among the healthy carbs, but can't resist
being doused in Wisconsin Grade AA butter, chives for the bakers,
crowd pleasers, both the grill-man and partakers insist.
"NanaBanana" crashes the tailgate scene, from out of State,
out of Country, along with the grapes, kiwis and late strawberries,
to enhance Door county cherries, Wisconsin apple orchards' early harvest,
and to beg for chilled containers of whipped cream from local dairies.
"The Bevs," last to be mentioned, for this is a Wisconsin party
and, alas, the State has a reputation known all too well.
Ice packed coolers hold the various beverages which swiftly
appear in the grasp of tailgaters, but that's another story to tell!
The "Characters" have given their all, presented themselves fairly
as the raw ingredients, but know that waiting in the wings
are a host of others that didn't make it to the buffet today,
pastas, chicken wings, and cranberry treats that another week brings.
Through the ease of the Internet, Wisconsin summer sausage,
Mortadella, Braunschweiger, bratwurst and all imaginable
cheeses can be found by the touch of the keys, delivered to your door
if your taste for these shippable products becomes unmanageable!
Aesthete2000
9/05/2008
Adding your comment:
I have heard of the fine dairy products and the orchards and fields. All goes together for a wonderful day. I enjoyed your presentation of food in this heroic light. 
Mumsy and 
this contest, and I can see the time and taste-buds you put into this contest. A recipe for Gold poetry! 
