once crisp
vibrant
orange hue so bright
a half eaten carrot stick
in dim twilight.
nibbled edges
now softened
sweet
paused in its journey
not quite complete.

forgotten amidst chatter and tales
shared among friends
as laughter prevails
it sat on a plate
a small sacrifice,
to moments of joy
and life's simple spice

in the fridge's cold embrace it waits
a witness to time
and the closing of gates.
yet in its stillness
it holds the lore
of dinners past
and moments more

a humble root
with much to give
even half-eaten
it yearns to live
in soups or salads
it finds its place
a half eaten carrot stick
full of grace

and when it is eaten
it is no more
but its place is in my stomach
the vibrance no more