SB: Forbidden Rice

NaPoWriMo Challenge Prompt Week 5:

April is a time for planting things (at least where I am, in Washington DC – you may still be waiting for spring, or well into some other season!) At any rate, I’ve recently been paging through seed catalogs, many of which feature “heirloom” seeds with fabulous names. Consider the “Old Ivory Egg” tomato, the “Ozark Razorback” or “Fast Lady” cow-pea, “Neal’s Paymaster” dent corn, or the “Tongues of Fire” bush bean. Today, I challenge you to spend some time looking at the names of heirloom plants, and write a poem that takes its inspiration from, or incorporates the name of, one or more of these garden rarities. To help you out, here are links to the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange and the Baker Creek Seed Company. Also, here’s a hint – tomatoes seem to be prime territory for elaborate names. And who knows, maybe you’ll even find something to plant in your garden!!

I see those pearly white grains,
Displayed perfectly in a dainty little bowl,
Or on a plate,
Hot and steamy.

But that rice is not forbidden,
It is made in masses,
Distributed in households and restaurants,
To everyone.

But you,
In your murky bruised coloured water,
Above the rest in oxidants and vitamins,
You're special.

So special in fact,
That you are only meant for a chosen few,
Royalty, and now the elitist,
Or perhaps also to the people who grow you.

Oh forbidden rice,
So different and unique,
In taste and texture,
And in health properties too.

- SB

6.46pm, 21st June 2016

Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport

SB is a conflicted soul of sorts, who is mad enough to go chase after what she really loves as opposed to conform to society and her mother's idea of a successful person. She prays she makes it in life, because she will not be able to tolerate the nagging that would follow if she doesn't. Her inspiration comes from everything around her, as well as made up situations in her head. Good luck distinguishing between the two.