Bromelain
by Kate Wright
How did Mother Nature propagate
pineapples? Cross-mate pinecones,
citrus, and something sweet, add
two protease enzymes to tease the tongue
properly, intensify the tingling
to keep the people pleased?
Why grow it center of stems,
short and stalky, not on trees?
Why wrap it in all points and pricks
and sprouts of leaves? Maybe
she enjoys surprises, perfect
placement—just in reach,
startling the eyes, seducing
with sweetness before the breakdown
of enzymes causes prickling pain
around the teeth. Bite after bite makes
me a sucker—as I eat
the pineapple, it eats away at me.
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