The existence of food
You could ask the same question to a soldier: do you want to die?The answer is probable “no”. But death is not the goal, it never was and never will be. Why then does the soldier welcome death with its beckoning hands, despite their refusal, that they do not seek death? Because there is something greater than death, a greater value, a larger magnitude, and a higher standing within the human heart, that is the reason for life. If a person lacks a reason to live, there is no difference between them and the dead, both destined for nothing but dust. Similarly, food refuses to be consumed. It doesn't want to die, but the reason for its existence surpasses its death. If it lacks a reason for existence, it will find no place in this world.
Raisin d’etre
Fruits of all shapes and sizes are evolutionary products meant to be eaten. The seeds of the fruits become spread out as the animal digests and releases the seeds in their bowel movements. As animals are constantly moving, the release of seeds in new areas affords a lucky chance of growing in newer fertile lands, or if the seeds are unlikely, they might just end up in a sewage system.
Some fruits and vegetables are not meant to be eaten, but nature finds a way. The burn of spicy peppers may have been a deterrent, but it soon became a cultivated classic in human farms.
Other foods are seeds themselves that are eaten. They may have not originally been meant for digestion and was meant for passing down new plants, but again humans have used engineering and tools to harvest and eat such seeds.
Liquids, like milk, are specifically meant for consumption by the young, but cow milk has been turned into a dietary staple of many tables. It’s purpose is nourishment, but it is important beyond that of just feeding the young.
Meats, on the other hand, does not seem to suggest a ”want” to be eaten. As it is harvested through living creatures, it is unlikely meat would wish its own death.
Different foods can be seen as “wanting” to be eaten in that they were evolutionary cultivated for consumption, but whether or not food wants to be eaten like how humans wants to indulge in sensory pleasures like a beautiful dish of steamed fish or a hearty soup, is still in the air. If one believes all objects have a will and consciousness, then our next goal would be to find a way to communicate with food to interview their “wanting” to be eaten. I would be delighted to see such attempts to be posted in a weekly food digest magazine.
Palatable Produce
Oh how you grow, Produce,
from seeds to fruits, all within
a matter of time and in a row.
With a desirable leafy-green colour you glow, attracting the attention of most like a superstar. You are nourishing and fresh, too, out of the soil you grow.
But tell me, do you want to be eaten? Or do you possess apprehension at the order you have been given?
In the fields, you thrive and bloom but eventually on our plates, you wind up food.
Do you long to stay on the vine?
Or do you rejoice in your purpose divine?
While it matters not, whether you desire to be eaten, what matters more is that you, Produce, are a blessing.
Yes, you and animals alike exist for a reason that surpasses sustaining that of only yourselves. It is for us humans too. Us, humans, while above you, we must eat but not abuse. In the end, we are grateful that God created you and that you give us food.
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A Purpose to Fill
What came from a seed, saw itself through sunny hot days, to unexpected cold spells, from too much or too little rain...what has fought so very hard to not only live but to thrive has a gift to give.
Can you begin to imagine the power in feeding the hungry....to be responsible for helping a child grow tall and strong, giving them the energy they need for all day long? How about seniors who live by barely scraping by...my gosh can you imagine how sweet it must be to fill their plates? What about the men and women who proudly serve our country...what an honor to give them nourishment.
What came forth from those little seeds, I can only imagine how it must feel so very happy knowing that it has blessed those who were able to enjoy the nourishment received....but what about all the waste, all that which was thrown away....the heavy sadness that must be felt of knowing it could have been on a plate...it could have been in a belly....
Thank God for the farmers who work so hard from sunup to sundown. In the land of plenty.... sadly there are plenty who do not have....
Lord, thank you for the food....bless it from the farmers to the tables....Please let all the food find its way to every soul so no one ever misses a meal.
Eating This Is Murder
My choice of fowl
I must eat
From time to time
Must be marinated in dirt
Must eat that, too
And crack an egg
On my face
And let me get caught
With my pants down —
Easy as pie
As long as that's a piece of cake after
My Humble Pie
When I'm feeling good
And hearty
And no one can best me
Is when it tastes the best
And seasoned just so
Nothing follows my Humble Pie
Better than when
I finally get what I was
Careful to wish for
A modest serving
Served tepid
Of crow
From the murder I have
In the dog house where
I am