Things Aren’t Always What They Seem

There’s one in every earthy drill –
a vegetable that can’t fulfil
its prime genetic destiny,
so changes shape dramatically.

A stubborn stone, lodged in the ground,
sends veg up, over, all around.
A Sweet Potato that got stuck
became a Sweet Potato duck.

Carrots are the very best.
They turn up two-legged, neatly dressed.
Or Tattie tubers, twisting, turning,
screwing up their eyes and gurning.

Parsnips, too, are very good
at not behaving as they should.
I found one that had lost its grip
and turned into an Octo-nip.

I’ve seen a Beetroot with a smile
and Ginger that grew ninja-style.
Goose-y Gourds and fiendish Fennel,
Swede that should be in a kennel.

So check Dad’s grow-bag, things Mum bought,
go get some greens from Gran’s veg plot.
Look closely, see how they’re designed.
You never know what you may find.