THE SALVIFIC PARSNIP
by Jane Roop
I could say you’re stubborn as a parsnip
but you don’t even know what a parsnip is
let alone ever tried to pry one from the dirt
when its hairy root refuses to give up
earth’s warm, wormy darkness,
where you’re going to be someday.
I’ll just say you’re stubborn as a mule
and everyone will know exactly what I mean
although ninety-nine out of a hundred people
have never been as close to a mule as they have
to a parsnip in the grocery store.
You can’t see what’s right in front of your face.
Flap your lips all you want about right and wrong.
They’ll be no peace until you’ve dug a parsnip.
Gyroscope Review - page 26
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