Published on: 2/9/2010
Wishbone Musings

I wish I were a pumpkin.

I wouldn't mind the propensity to roll;
the complete lack of hair could be refreshing,
and under the right lighting
orange is really a regal color.

But magical transmutation into squash is dicey --
perhaps I'd come out a zucchini.
Sliced, steamed, and oozing vitamin juice
alongside some Tater Tots and a piece of baked chicken;
living and dying for the slimy clenching slide
down a child's unwilling throat,
a journey only half of me completes (his price for Nintendo) --
the other half insinkerated with yesterday's peas
and a soggy, nutrient-contaminated Tater Tot.

The cucurbit equivalent of the pimply boy in highwaters
that nobody would sit with on the bus
unless their mom was the driver.

But those pumpkins . . .
wrapped in titian bomber jackets,
smoking clove cigarettes and comparing scars --
adored, cherished, cultural icons.
Popular.

Even when they meet their end, the crowds pay homage:
"The pie, the pie!"

How I wish I were a pumpkin.