Food and A Poet’s Philosophy. The poetry of Geoffrey Aitken and favourite recipes of Jenny Aitken

Geoffrey Aitken is an awarded South Australian poet and retired educator who writes on unceded Kaurna land. His 'lived experience' concerns him about mental health along our avenues and he uses it thematically to share with readers and listeners who find his expressiveness both timeless and warmly comforting. His debut industrial signature-styled Chapbook 'i want that in writing' was generated from his 'open mic' spoken word poetry in 2020.This has been followed by an insightful look into the shadows of poor mental health in 'No Laughing Matter' demonstrating his brand of ironically wry irresistible humour.
He began his journey after winning a place (of three in 2018) in the Friendly Street Poets Anthology "New Poets 19". His poetry credits include AUS, UK, US, FR, CAN, CN, and Fr.
Geoffrey has been the featured poet at 'The Good Word' - Capt. Rehab on Nile Street in Port Adelaide, 'Speak Hear' in the city on Hindley Street at Wakanda Multicultural Bar, 'SPIN' the 'open mic' of the Adelaide southern suburbs at the Willunga Alma Hotel, and most recently at VoiceBox again in Port Adelaide. Visit these links for a fuller picture of Geoffrey, his experiences, and his craft.
Finally, A Beginning by Geoff rey Aitken — wattletales.com.au with thanks to Lindy Warrell
https://www.theperspectiveproject.co.uk/geoffrey-aitken with thanks to Rachel Berlingieri 
https://www.facebook.com/100049612571571/videos/1126443204627328/. with thanks to Tina Cane, Poet Laureate for Rhode Island
synonymous | Geoffrey Aitken | Radon Journal 'synonymous' nominated for the annual Best of the Net anthology [2022]
Synonymous
i am a shopaholic

a neo-progressive
basket filler
of contemporary ideals
and political propriety

i communicate relevance
while recycling
off-handedness
carelessness
and immediacy

i still seek value
quality and durability
while transacting
good humour
reliability
and authenticity

I power purchase

Most recent publications
'a recent obituary' 
first published at The Amazine edited by Iva Feb 21^st a recent obituary – The Amazine Community
‘left me awake’
first published by Ginninderra Press and edited by Stephen Matthews, 'Telling Australia's Truth', [for Oodgeroo Noonuccal]
‘yesterday/today/tomorrow’
first published in STREETCAKE Magazine, Nikki Dudley & Trini Decombe Managing Editors pronouns: she/her, March 2024 issue_89.pdf (streetcakemagazine.com)
‘MVP’
first  published https://www.zvonainari.hr/single-post/geoffrey-aitken editor Ana Savković ZiNDaily March 2024
'A.Test[im]oni', 'inability' & 'some knew' 
Posted 1st April at Impspired in the UK. First published ‘Impspired’ Edited by Steve Cawte April 1^st Impspired Issue 28 – impspired
'one street removed'
first published in unusual work Issue 37, April ‘24

Publications available for purchase
'i want that in writing' [2020] and 'No Laughing Matter' [2023] are Geoffrey Aitken's two Chapbooks that he invites you to purchase at $6.00AU each using the contact form on this site. Otherwise available at Geoffery Aitken / No Laughing Matter (ginninderrapress.com.au)  and Our books (ginninderrapress.com.au)   

My passion for cooking comes from my mother Ruth to whom I dedicate this page.  
I grew up in a family with strong family values, unconditional love where our play, laughter, fears, tears, hopes and dreams were important to all family members, our contributions listened to and valued. A family of great cooks who embraced the 'hospitality of the table' family celebrations were veritable feasts  with loads of talk and laughter, there was always room for one more at the table.
Geoff - 'Ruth introduced me to a range of foods and behaviours unknown to me and my sheltered but rebellious ways... she through Jen assisted a young, reserved and shy lad to open up and enjoy the life she knew had been given to us from her Methodist God. I enjoyed family gatherings the like I'd not previously experienced and to my glee was graciously accepted as another member... as valued as any other.'
My love of entertaining started in the mid 60’s when my father Colin knocked down a wall to make a dining room. The dining table, beautifully crafted by my grandfather Richard 'Dick' Rees, set with the best crockery, glasses and delicious family favourites formed the basis of the entertaining Geoff and I still do today. Sadly my childhood home at Warradale, primary and high schools and the church, a huge part of my childhood socially and where I played sport (meeting Geoff as a young 15 year old whilst playing tennis) have all been demolished.
Recipes are a mixture of family favourites, classic comfort foods or taken from reading cookbooks and the latest online blogs.
Artwork on the front cover of 'My Family Cooks' a family cookbook was drawn by daughter Jess one Sunday afternoon when she was about 9 years old.

Enjoy, feel free to give us any feedback and use the contact form for your purchase/s or to engage Geoffrey or Jenny in friendly conversation.