Fruity

“Beans, beans, the magical fruit”—
That line’s veracity’s been in dispute.
Forget the magic; they’re veggies, right?
Now let’s not be so quick to indict.
Biologists say that all a fruit needs
Is to be a ripe ovary, bearing seeds.
(OK, the last detail might not apply,
As that’s the one seedless grapes defy.)
With that definition, we find that cukes
And pumpkins and squash and (oh gad) zukes
All count as fruits, being types of gourds.
Garbanzos and okra as well. Are you floored?
What else qualifies? Tomatoes and corn,
Avocados and eggplants, sure as you’re born,
Plus olives and peppers of various kinds.
These wouldn’t occur to most people’s minds.
But if you’re absurd enough to decide
To make them a “fruit salad,” I think I’ll hide.