Almanac Poetry: From Sheffield, England
Viner & Hall Canteen of Cutlery, Coronation Set, 1937. Kevin Densley collection. [Source: Author]
From Sheffield, England
In Australia, many of our grandparents
got Viner and Hall cutlery
– the really good stuff –
for wedding presents.
Often they passed it on.
Look in your kitchen drawers;
examine the knives, forks and spoons.
Your past may be in your hands.
(Acknowledgements: first appeared in Quadrant magazine, 2019; then in my fourth poetry collection, Sacredly Profane, Ginninderra Press, 2020.)
Read more from Kevin Densley HERE
Kevin Densley’s latest poetry collection, Sacredly Profane, is available HERE
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About
Kevin Densley is a graduate of both Deakin University and The University of Melbourne. He has taught writing and literature in numerous Victorian universities and TAFES. He is a poet and writer-in-general. His sixth book-length poetry collection, Isle Full of Noises, was published in early 2026 by Ginninderra Press. He is also the co-author of ten play collections for young people, as well as a multi Green Room Award nominated play, Last Chance Gas, published by Currency Press. Other writing includes screenplays for educational films.
Something I think many can relate to, KD. The stories behind the pieces might be worth discussing during the next meal with the family!
Cheers, JL – such discussions have already occurred!
I am in a cutlery war with my wife.
She wants it in the drawer, I want it in a pot on the bench.
It’s who gets to the dishwasher first.
Several generations wrestle and nestle together,
Family hand-me downs and ones we’ve bought.
The wedding gift set seldom used.
Those fancy ones came and went.
We hardly ever sit at the table now
But I want it there when I need it.
No old Sheffield cutlery I’m afraid,
But a story in every piece nevertheless.
Thanks for this, Matty.
So much of your response rings true!