Poetic Form: Epulaeryu

The Epulaeryu is a short poem that describes or features culinary delights. Author Joseph Spence, who invented and named the form, put the Latin word "Epulae," translated "feast," with an Asian term, "Ryu," which means "form" or "style." Accordingly, "Epulaeryu" would come to mean a poem about a feast or other culinary art with which the poet is especially fond.

The form typically describes various courses of a feast or meal, and ends in a singular interjection and an exclamation point, portraying the author's excitement in the cuisine and its presentation. From the description in total, the reader should have a good sense (and taste) of the main course.

The Epulaeryu is a seven line poem consisting of thirty-three syllables, arranged in the following manner: 7-5-7-5-5-3-1 and "!" (seven syllables in line 1, five in line 2, and so on).

As with many other short forms, there is no rhyme or meter. The title is at the poet's discretion.

Example:

¡Ole!

Guacamole on warm chips,
spicy Spanish rice
and refried pintos served hot,
corn shucks discarded
to reveal piquant
tamales,
¡Oh!