The image of my son, sunning, eyes closed,
stretched out on a lounge chair,
orange peel piled up on his chest,
mimosas in crystal, fresh-squeezed in a cup,
sweet slices with buttered bread for lunch,
with bright mini globes
smiling from the green dark
and white petal fragrance
bolder than whispering
the names of things we love.
© 2023 Jennifer Wagner
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Photo © 2023 Jennifer Wagner |
My second favorite color
is explosive
and luscious.
I don’t know if I like
the dirt it leaves
on my shoes.
I’m torn.
It means I’ve walked
through it
and lived to tell
but the chili powder heat
is a hell
all its own.
Hesperidium marmalade,
sandstone, cider, spice
against a spotty blue leopard sky.
Sigh.
My palms turn sepia from the reach,
and though the beauty is a beast,
I know it was always meant
to be a part of me,
like a blazing sun,
like love,
because
my skin sings
even while it burns.
© 2023 Jennifer Wagner
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|
Photo © 2023 Jennifer Wagner |