Burning Sugar

Burning Sugar

by Gideon Burton

I won't pretend those marshmallows aren't mine.        

For one thing, sticky-fingered, I'll confess            
That something gooey sounded mighty fine.                

Forgive me for that smell and awful mess                 

Inside the microwave. You see, I thought                 

With heat I could make smooth and luscious cream         

From hardened sugar balls. You're right, I ought               

To check with you next time. At first it seemed               

They were invincible. But then I heard                        

A pop, a splatter. Sweetened rivers streamed
Right out the oven door. I think it burned.              

    I promise, next experiment I'll ask;
    Some taffy just might be a better task.

Photo: flickr - jessamyn