Anatomy of a Fig
The fruit with the longest history on earth, the fig
Is also believed to be the first farmed fruit.
In Eden, the fig leaf failed its mission – the fruit hung
Immodestly from the tree, tender as a testicle. Its skin
Shade goes from yellow and brown to resplendent purple.
In the market, the figs sit on their ample rumps
Neatly arrayed in a basket. Pick one by its nubby stem
And gently sink your teeth into its glistening wet, lush red
Yellow-dotted interior. No seed or nut to bar your way –
Just a mouthful of oozing, melting flesh to sweeten your life.
Even so, like most other fruit, the fig survives in an altered state
In a new incarnation. Drying in the sun, the fig
Folds into itself, curling its stem down
To its flat belly, hoarding its honey for a second act.
To read the rest of Issue 29, and more from Saleem Peeradina, visit our eShop to take out a subscription or buy a print or digital copy.
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