Eve Merriam (1916-1992) was an American poet who specialized in works for children and young adults. Her book of poetry, The Inner City Mother Goose was so controversial it’s been described as one of the most banned books of all time.
How to Eat a Poem
Don’t be polite.
Bite in.
Pick it up with your fingers and lick the juice that
may run down your chin.
It is ready and ripe now, whenever you are.
You do not need a knife or fork or spoon
or plate or napkin or tablecloth.For there is no core
or stem
or rind
or pit
or seed
or skin
to throw away.