As Fall is now upon us, I am reminded of these lovely poems I wrote a few years back while visiting my parents in Missouri. I hope you enjoy!

Originally published: http://www.armywifenetwork.com/ode-to-the-ugly-produce/

 

“In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they’re still beautiful.” – Alice Walker

Every month my husband, son and little yorkie pack it up and make the scenic drive to Kansas City, where my husband fulfills his Army Reserve duties. It is about a four hour drive from Fort Leonard Wood, so it is a bit of a monthly chore. However, my family lives near KC, and they own some beautiful land along with a large garden. My son always looks forward to seeing his grandparents! Here is a pic of the garden:

During the Fall months some of the produce include apples, butternut squash, yellow squash, and sweet potatoes.  My mother offered my son an apple from this glorious paradise. You would think my son would smile in delight at the organic offering which is so important for a child his age. If you don’t realize the importance of giving your child organic apples, please read my  article here.

Well, the aforementioned apple is tree-ripened and they don’t all have that grocery store shine. So of course, my little guy turned his nose up like an ugly fruit snob. He also looked disgustingly down upon some of the butternut squash and sweet potatoes. I knew what I had to do. It was time to reinforce the importance of “beauty on the inside.” My mother informed him, he would make a poor farmer unless he learned to see the beauty in all of God’s creations. So it was time. It was time for an……

Ode to the Ugly Produce:

Oh sweet potato, u are so fair –

Your beauty is rare, though that rough skin could use a peel,

But let’s keep it real,

Never pluck your stray hair!

 

Butternut squash you are so sweet,

I’ve never met a one I wouldn’t eat,

Your spots don’t turn me off,

your shape is fine,

like wine,

and together we shall dine!

 

Sweet apple, Love is a battlefield,

or so the song goes,

You make no promises, no demands,

And I will never tell you you’re wrong –

It’s not just a song!