Love Sections a Grapefruit
by Barbara Bates
The knife circles the inside edge along the lip
until the little triangles loosen
and the fruit opens
to more than it's mirror image,
an interior pattern, so perfectly hewn
that following it ensures each bite exquisite.
But those in a hurry to taste the pulp
will quarter the whole and eagerly fold
spoke, membrane and zest into their mouths.
They never notice the divine pattern,
the discreet placement of flesh in the mold,
juice just runs down their chins and on to the floor.
Frpm Caveat Lector. Barbara Bates has published work in American Indian Culture and Research Journal, Red Rock Review, and elsewhere. Her first book, Littoral Zone (John Daniel Press), appeared in 2004. She lives in Santa Barbara, California.
by Barbara Bates
The knife circles the inside edge along the lip
until the little triangles loosen
and the fruit opens
to more than it's mirror image,
an interior pattern, so perfectly hewn
that following it ensures each bite exquisite.
But those in a hurry to taste the pulp
will quarter the whole and eagerly fold
spoke, membrane and zest into their mouths.
They never notice the divine pattern,
the discreet placement of flesh in the mold,
juice just runs down their chins and on to the floor.
Frpm Caveat Lector. Barbara Bates has published work in American Indian Culture and Research Journal, Red Rock Review, and elsewhere. Her first book, Littoral Zone (John Daniel Press), appeared in 2004. She lives in Santa Barbara, California.