Empire Asparagus crowns poetry, recipe winners

High on Asparagus

By Joseph Povolo

Winner of 2026 Empire Asparagus Festival poetry contest

Asparagus. Do I need to say more? Yes, you have to say more, one word is not a poem.

Unless of course you are a tree, and then a poem is as lovely as a tree. According to Joyce Kilmer, that is. But is a poem as lovely as asparagus? Tree is sure easier to rhyme than asparagus.

I haven’t rhymed anything yet. What are you, high? Are you high?

High on asparagus? High on asparagrass? Devil’s lettuce, devil’s aspargrass?

How high are you? Hi, how are you? Can you get high from asparagus?

Does asparagus have THC in it? Can you dry it, roll and smoke an asparagus joint?

Can you boil it and mix it with corn syrup and gelatin to make gummies?

Asparagus butter? Asparagus edibles? Asparagus brownies? Oh dear NO! Just NO!

This surely is a trip. A psychedelic asparagus trip. Whoa, that would be a great band name!

Am I tripping out on asparagus? I still haven’t rhymed anything. How can I call this an ode to asparagus.

It’s more like I OD’ed on asparagus. That’s it….I’ll call this poem “OD’ed on asparagus.” At least I have the title. Now just to rhyme something.

Whoa, what are all you people doing here? Have I been thinking these thoughts or have I been saying these things? I’m feeling a little paranoid. Why are you looking at me like that?

I sure do have the munchies. Why is pizza round, but put in a square box and cut into triangles…? Asparagus on pizza, ohhhh dude, I bet that’s rad.

Wow, this fried asparagus is sooooo good. I could eat like 420 pieces of this stuff. What time is it? 4:20, time to eat some asparagus?

I bet asparagus is one of those gateway vegetables your parents warn you about.

Kids might have questions about asparagus. Parents, it may feel awkward at first but talk to your kids about asparagus. They might say things like all the other kids are eating asparagus, why can’t we try it? Don’t be one of those parents that say “just say no,” say yes to asparagus.

I think I need to sit down. I think I could sit on a couch all day. My mouth is dry. Anyone got any Visine? Dang, I still don’t think I rhymed anything. Oh well, green out man!

Empire Asparagus 2026 Community Recipe Collection

Every spring, asparagus announces the arrival of a new season in Northern Michigan. For generations, families, farmers, and cooks have celebrated the harvest through gatherings, meals, and shared traditions.

The Empire Asparagus Festival 2026 recipe contest staff published a booklet (available to view here) which contains recipes submitted by participants in this year’s contest. Together they reflect the creativity of our community—from classic appetizers and salads to unexpected uses for one of Michigan’s favorite spring vegetables.