Beans

There is something shady about legumes
which leads me to think they must
be good for you
but still, I can't bear to slide their little 
torsos down my throat
It feels kind of cannibalistic how
forgiving their sandy innards are 
as you break into their skin
patterning your teeth with them
like a beany kaleidoscope
Second grade ruined the exercise of eating
when I wetted some Bounty in the laundry room
tucked my lima bean in and found
not a day later, my bean began to grow
unfurling a little green pinkie 
like a peace offering or early lesson
on the hazards of puberty
When I saw this reaching and needing for light
I didn't understand how
anyone could stand to digest something
so obviously alive