Boiled Peanuts Poem by Sidi Mahtrow

In road-way stands throughout the South
Are fruits and veggies to tempt the mouth.
But one specialty, besides melons and cane,
Is nuts; called Boil'd Peanuts by name.
What is this regional epicurean delight
That causes some to go looking, even at night?

Often sold in a small, brown paper sack
For only a quarter; five to a green-back.
They're to be eaten as soon as they're got
Best of all, when still piping hot.
Shells and all, goes in the mouth, with a smile
And nothing comes out (least not for a while.)

Properly dried and free of sand
These goobers are prizes that tempt any man.
'How do you prepare 'em? ' You ask if bold.
'A method from generations past.' You're told.
Boiled in a black pot, called a cast iron kettle
Somehow makes the nut, fit as a fiddle.

A pot with water and salt aplenty, is set
To cook this goober until the shell's soaking wet.
Turn up the heat and bring to a boil
In the kettle; stew this nut from the soil.
The salt penetrates and gives a new flavor,
And cooking produces a texture you? ll savor.

Let them dry just a bit and cool on the way
It's a treat from the South to be enjoyed each day.
It's a nutritionist dream marriage
With nourishment packaged in the midst of roughage.
So as you drive along side roads and see a small stand
Stop! Here's a treat offered to please any man.