Beauty is Deadly by Design
It is not meant to be consumed
Only monumental egos can assume
that the natural beauty of the world
is ours for the taking.
How silly to assume that the prettiest
sights have left themselves defenseless
against our lustful eyes.
Haven’t you heard of the Manchineel tree?
Whose petite green fruit will twist your intestines
until they bleed? I bet this Apple of Death
is what tricked Eve.
Seeking shelter from the rain under
its leaves will turn the droplets into acid
and scorch your skin.
This tree does not exist to serve you.
Purple poison awaits those who prey
on pretty little flowers and the berries
they produce in the accurately named
Nightshade that tempts your taste buds
with its sweet tones that conceal the
treachery twisted in its DNA.
How sweet is too sweet for you?
And the White Baneberry will leave you begging
for your life as your breath leaves you —
also known as Doll’s Eyes —
these orbs seek your soul and in moderation
they will only cause blinding pain but
indulge too much in its splendor
and you’ll find yourself in a slumber
forever.
Sleeping Beauty could never imagine.
Beauty is not meant to be consumed.
Just ask the Water Hemlock that is commonly
mistaken for parsnip, celery, and parsley.
Throw this elegant herb in a soup and brew
your last meal. Set the table then prepare yourself
for helplessness asphyxiation.
Dainty and deadly is the combination nature intended.
But I suppose it never stops at plants,
it has spilled into every fiber of this world
for that is the nature of beauty.
And it is human nature.
Don’t believe me?
Turn on the news.
