April 16, 2022 - National Poetry Month | National Eggs Benedict Day

Welcome to April 16, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate unlikely poets and eggstraordinary breakfast. There have been many strange and eccentric poets over the centuries, but none quite like Archy the Cockroach. This little guy was the reincarnation of a nameless poet who found his way into the office of newspaper columnist Don Marquis. One night, Archy started writing poetry by jumping from key to key on the typewriter there. All of his poems are written in lowercase because he couldn’t push the shift key and the letter keys at the same time. If you’re not impressed by poetry from a bug who can write, there are literally millions of other poets to check out during National Poetry Month. Human, insect, or otherwise. It has been said that “Eggs Benedict” was named for Pope Benedict XIII, who requested the dish often. Then there’s the story of Mrs. LeGrand Benedict who couldn’t decide what to order while dining at Delmonicos in New York. The chef came up with a similar recipe and claims to have named it after her. Finally there’s Lemuel Benedict, a Wall Street Broker who ordered buttered toast, two poached eggs, bacon and hollandaise sauce. Apparently, it was such a winning combination that it went on the menu at the Waldorf hotel, which begs the question, which Benedict came first? On National Eggs Benedict Day, there’s no need to quibble. Enjoy this dish that is fit for anyone with eggstraordinary taste. I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices