Ode to Sorghum

Sorghum,
oh sorghum,
you genius of all grasses!

You who are raised to make
the grain we love so well--
so tasty, yet nutritious too!--
delightful to both man and beast!!!

Family member of
Panicoideae
and the tribe Andropogoneae,
kissing cousin of big bluestem.

You fill my belly
and my soul
with your sweet goodness,
and for that I love you
as I love
no other wholesome grain.

I call you sorghum
but you are known
by oh so many other
delectable names...

Durra,
Egyptian Millet,
Feterita, Guinea Corn ,
Jwari,
Jowar Juwar, Milo,
Kaolian,
Shallu,
Sudan Grass,
Jondle,
Cholam,
Jola,
Jonnalu,
Gaoliang,
Great Millet,
Kafir Corn,
Mtama,
Solam.

O sweet sorghum,
when will you be loved
by the sons of Adam
as you are meant to be?
When will we realize
that all grains are not equal
and that your nutty goodness
is the ultimate balm
in the dark times.

"Ode to Sorghum"
[Sung at all meetings of the Sorghum Association of America]
words and music by Lance B. Dowd
President: Sorghum Association of America