Beneath the leathery crown are clusters
like caviar nestled in crevices
of coral reefs. Break the body open
in water and its seeds will separate
from inner layers of snake skins and sink
unashamed. The Greek underworld confined
Persephone once the fruit stained her lips
with rouge, and her mother’s fields of bright pink
crocuses, irises and hyacinths
ceased to bloom over earth. Middle Eastern
mothers clung like shadows, painting unfurled
branches of crisp, uncut pomegranates
curving a border around their daughters
marriage ketubahs. The fruit must be whole
for its blessing to retain any juice.