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Attasquash
With surprise I recognize
that summer squash is in the bag
now hitting the table with distinctive sound
no more describable than the subtle taste
of this elegant vegetable lightly cooked, lightly spiced.
Attasquash, crookneck, Cucurbito pepo –
such dismissive and ridiculous names we have attached
to this pretty vegetable,
so delicate, ephemeral
in its young perfection.
Fresh from the sunny garden
singing with hot nasturtium colors,
shimmering with butterflies;
I sense still the clear yellow
radiance of abundance on my silver fork.
Are we so beguiled by sugar
that we laud strawberry and peach,
all but ignoring this unassertive squash?
Ask the overlooked among us.