You are the most beautiful one I have ever seen
On display so ripe and fresh,
I have to take you home.
I steam bathe you long and tediously,
but the first taste is so bittersweet wonderful
I pause afraid.
Overcoming this,
I realize the leaves are sweeter the further down I get.

I am so cautious now,
Looking carefully for the brown spots, holes,
dirt warning signs of pestilence.
I want so much for you to be perfect
I am frightened of going further,
Leery of the dark secrets you may hide.

Every now and again your needle point leaves
will prick my fingers,
prick my lips.
I become more cautious,
wondering if it's worth the trouble.

The leaves become so tender
the further down I get,
I rush on heedless of the points grown soft
They barely scratch.
The core's heat is strong enough to slow me down again.
Patience is demanded before I can touch you now.

When I do, I find the tiny fur like needles
hot to touch and messy.
It takes time and care to get past them all.
So many little nuisances.
Once they're gone and my fingers wiped clean,

I am amazed at what I find.
The most vibrant tender delicious part,
Your heart.

Copyright © 1997 wendi loomis The Seasons Change