King Of The Fruits

By Ghosty Chan

I’d like to think they settled on the title for this particular fruit for a specific reason. 

With its spiky exterior and creamy insides, 

those against it speak of nothing but the smell, 

while those who love it rave about the taste. 

Surely the title of “King” could’ve been assigned to any other fruit, 

ones that are more popular with the masses, 

maybe without that strong, society-dividing odour, 

that blends better when mixed with other foods like sticky rice or rojak. 

But then again, could it really be called a “King of the fruits” if it were constantly adapting its flavour to accommodate others? 

Maybe the stench aroma is what places the crown upon its spiky head. 

Much like a real king, people will often have mixed impressions of them, but they rule all the same. 

Serving the stomach yet retaining its own flavour. 

After all, it is impossible for one thing to be fully perfect anyway, 

and even more so that everyone in the world will all love it. 

Such is the nature of Nature’s creations, after all. 

One that constantly mutes and adapts their own flavour to fit the tastebuds of everyone else would be left 

not knowing whether they are to be eaten sweet, salty or sour in the end, 

while one that stays true to themselves, while certain aspects of them may be taken 

in 

                           vastly 

     different 

                                   ways, 

would earn its own loyal fans through 

its strong, consistent pride 

in who they are.

By Ghosty Chan