Rooted in History

Rooted in History

I started as a tiny seed
pushed deep into the ground,
not knowing where my path would lead.
Soon I was downward bound.

I draw my strength from Mother Earth
as I journey down
until I gain a mighty girth,
and sprout a bright green crown.

Folks look at me and all they see
are my orange colored hues.
I’m more than just bright eye-candy!
I’m here to spread the news.

My roots go back in history,
through Persia to the Dutch.
Where I began’s a mystery
that doesn’t matter much.

Around the world my fame has spread.
I come in many shades –
black, purple, white, and even red.
I’m a jack-of-all-trades.

From soups to salads, I’m the star
of many foods you eat.
You needn’t travel very far
to find me as a treat.

I know some folks are laughin’.
I’ve heard the quips you share.
My shape is very masculine
but please, let’s not go there!

Enough with all the rabbit jokes,
too many to recall.
Let’s end it with “Th-That’s all, folks”
‘cause I don’t carrot all!

An entry for Round 20 of "Invalid Item" 
Prompt: Image
Line Limit: 40
Line Count: 32