The Andouillette Of Lyon Poem by Bob House

The Andouillette of Lyon was written in January 2007 and is based on an experience often recounted by the poet's father-in-law, Hector Davidson who while holidaying in Lyon in France decided to try the local dish and although being a chef himself and willing to try anything found this delicacy just a step too far. The Andouillette is a sausage containing a large quantity of intestines with a rather unique texture. The poem describes how the poet envisaged the encounter.

I took a trip to Lyon
It’s a trip I won’t forget
I found a little restaurant
That served me Andouillette
The plate arrived in style
And was placed in front of me
“Bon appetit”, the waitress smiled
“Eet ees our specialty”
The unassuming sausage
That was a local prize
Held it’s secret wrapped inside
It was a good disguise
I scored my knife along it’s back
Getting set to bite
I didn’t think it’s innards
Would give me such a fright
Something sprouted from the casing
And expanded on my plate
My face went first from white to green
I was in quite a state
I thought an octopus stepped out
I tried hard not to shout
I couldn’t say what happened next
I very near passed out
I placed my napkin on my plate
It took an iron will
I’ve not been back to Lyon since
Perhaps I never will.