equal parts sacred and foul

equal parts sacred and foul.

purity of flavour, gnashing of teeth, crushing of flesh.

living entities, ushered into hot mouths,

anointed with acid, capsicum, allium.

habitual sacrifice,

ritual of sunny afternoons.

Oysters 1862 Edouard Manet,

Dishes with Oysters, Fruit, and Wine c. 1620/1624 Osias Beert the Elder