Nick Compton Green Giant Sweetcorn; Original Marigold sweets, the corn sings itself into existence, each bead bursting like lemon or shouting its presence like mustard on a roast. Obstinate vegetable, you refuse defeat, every time and more than a match for lesser fruit; a tomato, a pumpkin or pea. Pull back the corrugated layer and there you are—your bulbous irregularities my childhood favourite—my dad used to give me a spoon, a tin, a whole 198g of obnoxious yellow, a perfect snack. Was it you who looked out for us? Your green giant a green man, our celtic protector of my mother’s choosing, natural impetuous and wild, perfect for two young brothers growing, as my father attempted adultery and my mum picked up the pieces.
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Crab Orchard Review