Ode to Jalapeño

Gardened

Along

the road

To

 Hell.

The fruit with

the killer instinct.

Passionate

Greens

And

Reds,

Only dissemblance.

It intends

Only harm,

As it knows

Only fire.

Hellishly hot,

It seeks

To humble

Those who dare

Come

unprepared.

The

Bite

Like the

Blade.

The

Scorch

Like the

Iron.

Hot-headed

Cowboy,

It seeks to impress

With a display

Of loud

accusations.

A chance

To belittle.

Cold-hearted

outlaw,

fastest to the draw

with a burst

of

flame.

Yet

Among family

Mild one,

Sympathy,

Forgiveness.

It presents

Its best self

With a

Thrilling

Roar,

Then

Comforts

With

A mellow rumble.

For those

Who seek

The challenge,

Interrogation

At the hands

Of the

Devil.

Trial

Before the

Reaper.

A taste.

A risk.

One raise

Of the

Outlaw’s hand,

One shot

Of his gun,

Hushed

Grace

Awe

Shock.