Peas

Threading Together

Delicate curling shoots pushing through brown earth.
Rampant soft green tendrils, clinging to sticks.
Magical bourgeoning growth, soft green leaves,
and pale ivory fat blooms – a bee’s delight!
In a trice, acid green pods dangle and swell –
soon time to harvest the pods

Devouring the whole pod, I am transported back to childhood,
and the task of worrying the contents out with the thumb.
The fresh peas tumbling into the bowl,
its contents soon diminish, eaten raw.
Long remembered taste and scent of childhood summers:
roast lamb, new potatoes and peas.

Podding peas, a childhood delight.
Today, added to risotto, bringing a sparkle
of fresh pea flavour and a green vibrance.
Such joy, pods and all!

Melanie Chalk.
August 2021