Sacrament

A poem about life, death, tomatoes, product placement, and rebirth

Southern-style tomato sandwich photo by Martha Jean Winkelstein

Sacrament

I want to be a sacrament

When I die

Mix my ashes with garden soil, Miracle Gro

Put us in the plot I tilled and tended every spring

Plant tomatoes — Beefsteaks, Better Boys and Brandywines

Water well

And when we ripen

Slice us thick and lay us out good white bread slathered with mayonnaise

Preferably Blue Plate, though Hellman’s or Duke’s will do

Salt, pepper, lettuce, the latter optional of course

Take a big bite

Think of me

Wash me down with cold, whole milk or a Barq’s root beer

Smile

I am back in circulation