Gray trunk with white slits and spots, while seeming
to imitate pattern of birch, proves best
friend to African natives—redeeming
dishes by adding a horseradish taste,
repeating its savor through India
and Middle East. It prevents endemic
disease, and even purifies aqua.
Should someone refute this with polemic,
they simply need to query a doctor
of biology or agriculture.
Perhaps we two will prove benefactors,
slurping some Thai Kaeng Som, or Burmese sour
drumstick soup. Some diners in Bangladesh
would tell us: mix it with a curry dish.
Yum.
Roger Armbrust
February 26, 2012
