There are lots of reasons to really like this poem.  It speaks to me of childhood and of transition into the reality that life can be pretty tough.  You begin the poem with back in the day and speak of recollections but the voice is in a present tense.  Normally, I would always keep it in present but the "back in the day" makes it past.  I wonder why you chose a lack of punctuation here? The ending seems sad.

I've really enjoyed reading this thought provoking poem.



back in the day
folks don't didn't buy mayonnaise
they make made their own
at a slow boil
on a wood stove
with eggs, milk and vinegar

Once a year
Grandma buys bought baloney
sliced from a log
as a special treat
before the 'end of school' picnic
a sandwich
with homemade mayo
for my mom and Uncle Al
-once a year

I'm was five years old
when Daddy pickeds Grandma
up from a Greyhound Bus Stop
Mama makde es her a baloney sandwich
she eats ate it like a sirloin steak
her lips smacking
and her teeth clicking

Sherry, I've been thinking that same thing, now and then, but apparently it's ok that way.  I'll leave it alone for now, since it was chosen that way.  Doesn't happen to me often at all, so I won't go messing with things, unless Rick says something about changing it.

I visited your blog Sherry.  Love the way you have it laid.  I've tried blogging but never carry through with it.  Most of my internet life is here at PC, complete with pretend lovers, (lol) which is enough life for me.

Thanks so much for reading and for your comments,
cheryl

Blogging is a nightmare and a big problem because I can't remember my password and have changed my e-mail address.  Another dilemma.

Your poem reminds me of my grandmother who passed away several years ago. I actually wrote about her in my poem Family Business. I recall visiting her in a nursing home and much further back when I was a young child.  Life has a way of teaching us things along the way.

I enjoy your poetry very much--pretend lovers or not--doesn't matter at all.  It just keeps yours readers guessing and as Martha Stewart would say "that's a good thing". Listen to Rick.  He knows his stuff.

Sherry

Okie dokie, Sherry.  Thanks again.

I've enjoyed seeing this "so much more than a recipe" each day this past week...thanks Cheryl.