Carol Ann Duffy — To Boil Bacon

First soak the meat according to its saltiness in tepid water, while in the tree outside a blackbird shakes the weather from its wings. Cut off from the underside the brown, then scrape, then score, the rind, while on your wet red hand the hard gold glinting of your ring. Pierce an onion with a clove, then put into a saucepan with the ham, then bring to boil, while tears jerk in your eyes to soothe the sting. Remove all scum. Replacе the lid, then simmer gеntly, twenty minutes for each pound, while children running by outside whistle and sing. Allow to cool. Cut off the rind, then cover with bread raspings, let it stand, while on the wireless the sudden abdication of a king.