Ode to a Donut

I wanted to be original and write an ode to a donut. However, it turns out that there are many such poems online, and, frankly, some are far better than any poem I could write. Regardless, I do remain a big fan of donuts, but only of the Polish variety. How are the Polish donuts different? Well, let me tell you, they are in a class of their own. Those little fluffy, airy, deceptively light, fabulously delicious little balls are the main culprit of my weight gain every time I visit Poland, as I typically enjoy at least one a day. Every time I arrive in Poland, one of the first text messages from my family is always “Have you had your donut yet?” 

In Poland, you can find a donut store (called pączkarnia) everywhere. Everyone has their favourite pączkarnia, as each store seems to follow a different secret old family recipe. The most classic donut variety is the one with the rose jam filling. But you can also enjoy other fruit donuts (with raspberry, apple, cherry, strawberry, blackberry, black current, plum or orange), chocolate, advocate or nutella, halva, marzipan, poppy seed or cheese, or a mixture of more than one of those. However, it is not the filling but the dough that makes the donut. It is much lighter and more airy than any North American donuts, and it is far less sweet.  

I could not help it; I had to write a few lines: 

Luscious, airy and delicate

Golden balls of flavour

Rose, cherry or marzipan

Which one should I savour?

The warm yeasty air

Envelops your senses

The site of those beauties

Lowers your defences

Temptation’s too big

And I bite with delight

Who cares ‘bout calories

When such flavours invite?

On my hands glisten

The rose jam and grease

And now I’m contented

And truly in peace