A seed
shoved under dirt
that somehow becomes
a sapling,
all because
it reached for the sun
and it emerges
on earth
packed in a shell.
Baking
drying,
the same light,
though a different outcome,
now not growing,
but shrinking
and turning some odd
brown.
Still with a purpose,
dropped in a packet
fade in with others
identical to itself.
Sealed
Pressed
Boxed
Stamped
Shipped
Carried
Now on a shelf.
Until
hands touch it
pick it up
feel it
turn it side to side
finally decide;
Back on the shelf.
Time again
Felt again
touched again
indecision
wait, no;
decided.
Dropped in a basket.
Two blissful seconds
of sight,
a home with love and laughter,
the chooser chides
her children.
A few crinkles
and back in a pantry
waiting
in the darkness,
which is familiar,
but has never
been
so nerve-wracking.
The possible recipes
and happy meals
behind that packet,
it must
be
excruciating.
And then the day dawns
and the packet's picked up!
The kitchen's in sight!
It's been...passed?
A lid opens
dropped
shuts with a boom.
The garbage bag
shifts
to accommodate.
No one likes dried beans.