How to Eat a Pomegranate

Go to the shore.
Bring a knife and napkin
(a man's tool and a woman's
suggestion)
and find a jewel-shaped stone
to sit upon,
and a flat one
for cutting on,
for catching the crimson
burst and flood as you
slice the ruby skin.
If you are adventurous
bend down and lick the stone -
sea salt, sweet, and sour -
stain your lips
and fingers
as you lift each bead
and turn them,
one by one,
with your tongue,
with silent gratitude,
the way a woman with a rosary would.

Originally published in Contemporary Verse 2.