​Eggplant


White or green 
or aubergine
you're known by 
several names.
In India, brinjal.
Italians call you
mela insana
and eat you 
parmigiana.





Food for Thought


His disciples 
were hungry for 
the truth, when 
Vishnu saw 
the vichyssoise 
on the wall.





Avocado Love


Are you craving 
something fresh?
Want to take me
in your mouth, taste 
my creamy flesh?
Your friends insist 
swallowing is good 
for you—good fat; 
a heart-healthy 
aphrodisiac, your 
Aztec prince, ahuacatl.  
Mamasita, I get-off
when you stroke me,
pluck my fruit,
gush guacamole!



​

Beet


Heaven may have its diamonds
but the loam is yours alone,

ruby rhizome, rain a cold borscht.
Crimson seeping, sweet 

is your revenge, stigmata root,
staining acolytes red.

(“Beet” saw first publication in Cider Press Review.)




​
Chef Lobster
for Linda

Dinner’s on.  
You look like
this red fellow:  
all claw:  oven mitts 
always preceding you.  
Preheat to Crustacean age.  
Bring to a boil.  Whisk.  
Gracefully ladle 
the bisque.