"emerging ears first from the earth"
plant for autumn gardens now
Japanese floral print pattern from section VII plate IX. by G.A. Audsley-Japanese illustration
The First Salad of March
by Marge Piercy
Thinnings of the rows,
Chinese cabbage, lettuce, sorrel,
cress; nipped ends of herbs
returning, mint and thyme;
violet leaves poking up in clusters like armies
emerging ears first from the earth;
the Egyptian onions that multiply
underground; the spears
of garlic shoots. The mixture
huddles, skimpy in the bowl.
The salad explodes in the mouth,
green romancandles.
It is succulent, dainty,
intense. It is crisp
as new money.
It lights up my blood
and urges fur from
the backs of my hands.
I want to roll in leaves
that are still lumps
on twigs. First salad
strong and fierce and plaintive:
love at age five. Spring
makes new the taste of lettuce
fresh as a tear.
from The Twelve-Spoked Wheel Flashing, Knopf, 1978
Creative Invitation
Draw a circle. This is your plate. Draw into your plate the foods—literal or symbolic— that you want to eat or share with others.
What is on your plate, and why?