A vegetarian nightmare

Write a poem based on an image from a dream. We don’t always remember our dreams, but images or ideas from them often stick with us for a very long time.

The aubergine rolled up as fast as it could

plonking itself on the topmost shelf

the green chilly glowered at me

threatening to bite my fingertips

my eyes had turned saucers by now

the potato just stood its ground

and admonished me for eating too many carbs

I think I then heard my jaw drop!

right then the onion barged in

querulously asking me why I sliced it so thin!

I gingerly stepped back,
with a scream rising up my throat

when the ginger accosted me

and warned me against using it in writing

I turned with my heart in my mouth

and just as I was about to flee,

a bunch of french beans swung by on a vine

tying me tightly to the refrigerator

I opened my mouth to let out a wail

when a tomato affixed itself on my face

they all threatened me in unison, “Better stop cooking us

or else tonight we will cook you up, champion!”

as I thrashed my legs trying to free myself, while shivering all over

someone shook my shoulders not so gently over and again

I cracked open one eye and met my husband’s exasperated gaze

I got up with a start to find myself on my bed

scarcity of vegetables in lockdown is sure giving me nightmares

I refuse to cook any longer

I fear being threatened by my utensils next!

( I literally dreamt of vegetables a couple of days ago! 🙄)