Stephanie Pressman has an MA in English from San José State University. Her work has appeared in Bridges, cæsura, CQ/California State Poetry Quarterly, Montserrat Review, Red Wolf Editions and other journals. Her long poem Lovebirdman in an illustrated volume was published in June, 2018.
Eggplant
You’re my eggplant: smooth, plump, the dark
purple of ruddy sunsets, the flesh a break
in clouds. My hands cup you, reluctant
to cut, to lose this moment of virgin freshness,
the moment before hot oils sizzle
in the pan, garlic pungents the house,
before skin shrivels, the flesh sags
and turns creamy soft. There’s your heart
on my plate, the first taste of you
bitter/sweet. Herbs, diced tomatoes
absorbed, layered in nuance: savory.
Oh, aubergine, Mad Apple, mysterious
fruit, I’d risk the madhouse for you.
Grow in my bed. Offer me your pith.