Marmite for the Millions

I'm a great fan of Marmite and Vegemite alike, and have been for years. So I was tickled to discover the I Love Marmite website. The cheese and cucumber sandwiches are lovely. The following poem was posted in the "Marmite Forum." And a truncated version also appears on a New Zealand tourism site. Apparently, they prefer Vegemite down there... I had Vegemite on an English muffin for breakfast this morning, with coffee. Offered one to Carrie, which she declined. I guess she must prefer this website.

The Joy of Marmite

I spread my Marmite sparingly, upon my buttered toast
Of all the things to put on bread, it's what I like the most.

Its flavour always feels warm, although it isn't hot
--Caustic like a chili sauce, it certainly is not

Approved by vegetarians, and good for your nutrition
Of what my Mum called savoury, the very definition.

Though made from lowly byproducts--leftover brewing ooze
It is so reminiscent of the finest of French stews

Such grand associations were surely what was meant
When so named by clever brewers from Burton on the Trent

Precisely what exquisite yeast do Marmite makers use
To lend such gourmet qualities to brewing residues?

I spread my Marmite sparingly, upon my buttered toast
Of all the things to put on bread, it's what I like the most.

Its flavour always feels warm, although it isn't hot
--Caustic like a chili sauce, it certainly is not

Not sour nor bitter, so subtle tasting generally,
But it has a pungent salty side which can my downfall be

For if through too much eagerness I heap it far too thick,
I will regret my foolishness, as I get nearly sick

Then for a month, or even more, I will not touch the stuff
Until my fading memory emboldens me enough

Such occasional indulgence provides an education;
The key to true enjoyment is always moderation.

-- A.R.D. Pepper, March 1993