Wednesday 1 February 2012

Thanks be to contradictions

It appears my much longed for Spring and subsequent Summer is stunted. Its relief has been but mild, and I’m afraid that February will pass us by and Autumn shall return too soon.

Whilst I’m not of religious persuasion I’m reminded of a prayer, by Leunig, which gives thanks for tomatoes. With the rain has come an abundance of produce and our humble Apollos have thrived, so let us give thanks for the contradictions of seasons and the space that the garden provides for proper deep breathing and hands in the earth.

‘It is time to plant tomatoes. Dear God, we praise this
fruit and give thanks for its life and evolution. We
salute the tomato: cheery, fragrant morsel, beloved
provider, survivor and thriver and giver of life. Giving
and giving and giving. Plump with summer’s joy.
The scent of its stem is summer’s joy, is promise and
rapture. Its branches breathe perfume of promise
and rapture. Giving and giving and giving.
            Dear God, give strength to the wings and knees
of pollinating bees, give protection from hailstorms,
gales and frosts, give warm days and quenching
rains. Refresh and adorn our gardens and our tables.
Refresh us with tomatoes.
            Rejoice and rejoice! Celebrate the scarlet soul of
winter sauces. Behold the delicious flavour! Behold
the oiled vermilion moons that ride and dive in olive-
bobbing seas of vinegared lettuce. Let us rejoice!
Let this rejoicing be our thanks for tomatoes.’

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