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Read by Matilda Longbottom
R is for Rooted Tales.
Nestled in our backyard, the radish patch began as a remedy for unruly grass. My husband, armed with a shovel and a rented rototiller, transformed the earth into a canvas of possibilities. Radishes, the unexpected stars of the show, thrived, claiming their space with a riot of greenery.
“Why radishes?” I asked. “They looked lonely,” he chuckled. In their vibrant diversity, radishes offered a playful twist to our garden narrative.
A is for Artistry.
Like an artist, I marveled at the pink-hued radishes, reminiscent of childhood wallpaper adorned with roses. The layers of a radish, akin to a cameo, showcased nature’s intricate designs. My attempts at radish carving may have started crude, but practice turned them into miniature masterpieces.
D is for Discovery.
A pink sphere peeked through the soil, resembling a child’s toy. Radishes awaited their moment. As chlorophyll worked its magic, the garden became a stage for the dance of roots and blossoms. Timing mattered—too long in the ground, and the radishes risked losing their sweet crunch.
I is for Insight.
Radish, from the Latin radix, meaning root, encapsulates the essence of these vibrant vegetables. A delve into their history revealed a Spring and Fall crop versatility. No longer confined to plastic wrappers, our radishes emerged earth-kissed and ready for culinary exploration.
S is for Savory Surprises.
Beyond salads, radishes found their place in our kitchen symphony. Sautéed in olive oil, they danced with onions and spices. Pickled, they added a tangy twist to tacos. As a side dish, thinly sliced and cooked, they complemented everything from grilled fish to couscous.
H is for Homage.
By leaving some radish plants to flower and seed, we honored the earth’s abundance. Radish blossoms, delicate and purple, stood tall amidst green stems—a tribute to the land’s ancient guardians. In the smallness of radishes, I found a sense of control and gratitude.
This acrostic journey through radishes weaves together the joy of cultivation, the artistry in their form, the discovery of their roots, the insight into their name, the savory surprises they offer, the symphony of salads they inspire, and the homage paid to the earth’s generosity. ❖
About the Author: Nadja Maril’s prose and poetry has been published in literary magazines that include Lunch Ticket, Spry Literary Review, and Across the Margin. Her chapbook of poems and memoir, Recipes from My Garden, is scheduled for publication by Old Scratch Press in October (2024) available through Amazon and other outlets. A former journalist and editor, Nadja has an MFA from Stonecoast at the University of Southern Maine.
