Happy Ponggal 2022. ‘A Vegetable’s (Swede) Stand’

Swede paradise

You won’t fool me
Even if you think
You like me
I know deep down
That you, don’t

I’m thick-skinned
I can take it
The reality has dawned
Upon me, that
My skin is not as tanned
My flesh is not as plush
As a potato’s
I’m somehow, less
Shapely than a spud
I’m far from the beauty that
That tuber you like, that,
Carrot. It’s got luscious hair.

See, I’ve no airs
I have no flair
I’m rooted, not suited
For the life up above
I’ll lie low, be mellow
And look up at the stars
Dancing on the stage
Puppets to the trade
I’ll stay my humble self
Avoid the shelves
Live a blessed life
In my own swede paradise

Poem and Drawing by S. Rasa Rasika