Baker's Sweetened Angel Flake Coconut -
the masterpieces my mother would make,
led by directions from their promotion,
a pamphlet entitled "Cut Up Cakes."

Straight to our home the booklet arrived
from General Foods in Kankakee.
They sent her their secrets - how to create
artistic confections from recipes.

Full-color photos showed just how to slice,
then place the cut pieces as shown.
They gave all the details to decorate
'til a sailboat or snowman was done.

Strips of licorice formed bows and whiskers -
a gumdrop or mint might make an eye.
And on every creature - coconut,
whether Fido the dog or butterfly.

A cynic would point out the obvious -
the pamphlet designed to help profits rise.
But whatever the corporate motive,
their book made my mom's cakes a feast for the eyes.