We Come in All Shades

Poetry

red — like Eve’s apple held out in a fist,

the first temptation of a woman to a man,

the way you drew pictures for a project,

the wondering if you were a feminist or not.

*

orange — like dreamsicles melting free,

the flavors of citrus you can’t stand,

the glimpse of flirty summer couples,

the taste in your mouth like a bitter rind.

*

yellow — like the taxi you took to run away,

the canary you saw caged in a pet store,

the shade of dresses you’ll never wear,

the pall of smoke left on the walls.

*

green — like St. Patrick’s Day mistakes,

the money you thought you wanted,

the emerald bracelet that fell apart,

the envy that nearly sickened you.

*

blue — like a fresh cloudless day,

the dye you wanted for your hair,

the slurpee that ate into your teeth,