Radish

You delectable little pearl
Of nature’s summer garden
Bunched together
In the grocery section
Like so many dangling jewels

Green sprouts for a top hat
A spiny cat’s tail hanging out the back
A red coat that
Hides the pearly white
Flesh that crackles
With a burst of glory

On my picnic platter
You bring a palette of color
And a springy tang of taste

Salt you may find raining on you
For it adds that sparkle
To the taste buds
That sets you apart
From your garden cousins

Celebrate one of nature’s
Little gems
Trim the ends
Take a bite
It’s what nature intends