Sacrificial Bitter Gourd

Alone on my vine
I clamber down
Seeking friends

There’s no gourd
As bitter as I
No fruit as wrinkly
No flesh that hated

I’ve got nutrients
Not glamour
Sidelined by sweet
Things

I’ll cut myself open
See me for what I am
Toss me into your bowl
I won’t let you grow old

Poem and Drawing by S. Rasa Rasika