I woke up early and turned on the TV.

Tired of cartoons, I watched “Cooking with Me”.  

Chefs use an oven, but that’s not my style.

I’m only three, and I can’t reach the dial.

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I will cook dinner without an appliance.  

I know that cooking is not rocket science.  

I will make soup!  What a surprise!  

I can’t imagine the look in Mom’s eyes!

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Mom’s biggest pot on the floor will be fine.

I’ll start with liquid - Dad’s leftover wine.    

Next, I’ll add hot sauce and measure one cup.

The mop will be handy when I mix it up.

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Sugar and flour, about five pounds each,

two dozen eggs and an overripe peach.

Strawberry yogurt, a can of tomatoes,

one bag of pretzels and frozen potatoes.

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Skim milk is healthy; my soup will need that,

and one pound of butter to give it some fat.

Olives are tasty; let’s use the whole jar.

I’ll throw in the wrapper from my candy bar.

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Now for some pepper, but only a smidge.  

It's tasty with pizza I found in the fridge.  

Salsa and mustard on sliced-up zucchini,

Oh, how delicious when mixed with linguini!

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Chicken legs, ketchup, a drizzle of honey,

one quart of cream to ensure it stays runny.

Mayonnaise, crackers, a spoonful of jam,  

cucumber salad, and barbequed ham.                              

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Look! Here’s a package of hamburger meat!

After it’s added, my soup is complete.

Mom will be over the moon with delight,

when she sees what I made for dinner tonight!  

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©Susan Jakubowski