A teenaged diet

 No. I can't eat that

the refrain comes pat 

a war is certainly afoot 

over trivia like food

One loves her carrots 

hates green  peas 

another makes it a point 

to shatter peace

She loves the green things 

only hates red ones 

Hope prances and springs 

on its pointy toes 

One would like peanuts 

in her upma 

A double helping of grits 

Please , ma 

Another silently lines them up

separately at the plate side 

Like prisoners of war , 

later to their fate decide 

One exclaims "Cumin!!"

"Why do you put it in ? "

As if it is in my hands 

to rewrite recipes of lands 

On the same occasion ,

there is a lamentation 

"Why no jeera ?

Where is my kheera ?"

Onions , no
Beetroot , oh no
Capsicum umm
Cheese yumm

A look in my fridge
will reveal the age
of my offspring(s)
No reds , no green

Only shades of white
cream , grey and spite