An Ode To Papad Poem by AtreyaSarma Uppaluri

[Appadam or Appalam or Papadam or Papad is a thin crisp cake made of pulses or sago or potato and is baked or fried; eaten along with meal.]

Ambrosia art thou - Papad or Papadam or Appadam!
Adam, had he known about thee, the pretty Papadam,
Could surely have said: “Eve, my dear madam,
We’ll feast on Appadam and not apple to escape from God’s damn.”

Aphrodisiac art thou - Appadam or Papadam or Papad!
Whatever thy name or thy recipe – goes on the fad
To daintily bite thee. To any menu relish thou wouldst add.
Every wife orders thee, every husband buys thee grand.

Love-potion art thou - Appadam or Papadam or Papad!
Thou art a crispy, crunchy treat to any lass or lad
Without thee their love turns sour and so bad
Papad-less parties flop and drive everyone mad.

Elixir art thou - Appadam or Papadam or Papad!
A delicious and winsome theme for any true bard
Else his wife makes his life woefully sad.
He that can’t swoon over thee is a crass cad.

Panacea art thou - Appadam or Papadam or Papad!
East-west-north-south – everywhere thou dost command
Thou Papad, an irresistible savory brand
Like big wheels rollest on – ad or no ad.

[Mar 17,2009: : Hyderabad - 500 056]