# A Culinary Candidate explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A short satirical poem suggesting that a cook or waiter, while competent in their own trade, is not fit for the office of Recorder. The speaker dismissively tells Mr. Walton to take their order instead.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Satire

The poem mocks the idea of a culinary worker running for political office, implying unsuitability.

## Key lines

> A cook adorned with paper cap, Or waiter with a tray, May be a worthy kind of chap In his way, But when we want one for Recorder, Then, Mr. Walton, take our order.

A cook or waiter might be decent at their job, but when we need a Recorder, we don't want them—just take our order, Mr. Walton.

_The speaker dismisses the candidate's qualifications for public office._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/a-culinary-candidate
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters