I know that the innocent,
newly plumped
tomatoes growing on my potted plants are
particularly enticing for someone
like you.
I know that it’s difficult to resist
plucking them, even before they turn red,
because of the adorable, fastidious way they grow
on the vine-
tucked bashfully under the leaves.
I can even understand that you might be overcome
with the anticipation of how special and delicious
each different variety will taste and so you’ll take two or three and watch them ripen on your kitchen counter before popping them into your mouth and
letting the juices explode
over your taste-buds.

Trust me, I understand.
But next time,
please,
leave a few
for me, too.