Spam-Ku: Tranquil Reflections on Luncheon Loaf

by John Cho

Since 1995, John Cho has faithfully harvested and preserved SPAM-related haiku for future generations. Now, for the first time in print, the SPAM Haiku Archive Master (or S.H.A.M.) offers more than 150 of the most delectible SPAM-ku ever prepared--selected from his collection of thousands. Anyone who likes to eat SPAM luncheon meat, sing about SPAM with Monty Python, or simply relish the poetry that is SPAM's very existence will love sinking his or her teeth into SPAM-ku.

Genres: Poetry, Humor

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 23, 1998

Reviews

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

five stars aren’t enough
to express half the brilliance of
this beautiful book

Such comedic genius
Protects me from despairing
At the future of our too often
Maudlin species
Keeping forever its
Unutterable brilliance close to my heart

I’m sorry a sonnet is beyond me
Because this small volume quite deserves one.

[Don Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

I owned a copy of this circa 2005. Some of the SPAM haiku are funnier than others. My personal favorite is:

They have no more SPAM.
My hands tremble with anger.
Cleanup on aisle five.

[Richard Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "Date I finished..." is actually the date I logged this book (which I read a long time ago, and which I have had occasion to revisit often since...) and added it to the BML.

From the Goodreads blurb:
Since 1995, John Cho has faithfully harvested and preserved SPAM-related haiku for future generations. Now, for the first time in print, the SPAM Haiku Archive Master (or S.H.A.M.) offers more than 150 of the most delectible SPAM-ku ever prepared--selected from his collection of thousands. Anyone who likes to eat SPAM luncheon meat, sing about SPAM with Monty Python, or simply relish the poetry that is SPAM's very existence will love sinking his or her teeth into SPAM-ku.

It has been a long time since I have eaten Spam, but it and Spork were definitely a prominent part of my childhood culinary landscape.

[Jason Ruggles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not poetic enough to write my review in a haiku, but this book is a breath of fresh air... fresh, pork-scented air. It's hilarious, but some of the verse is a bit naughty. I'd recomend it to lovers of spam, haiku or zaniness.

[Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful poetry

[Halla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly the funniest and most well-written book of all time. A must read, although don't be expecting serious-ness.

[Chapple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wore my SPAM boxers.
Struck down by a speeding bus.
Paramedics laughed.

[Ann G. Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these poems!
They make me want more and more.
But not more spam, please.