#pith
it is easier
to keep the rind on.
to look at the orange
on the counter
and pretend
it isn't going soft
from the inside out.
we think we're
saving ourselves
from the stinging spray,
the way the juice
burns the small cuts
on our thumbs.
but the longer
we leave it unpeeled,
the more
the sweetness rots.
and eventually,
we aren't avoiding
a mess—
we are living
in one.
don't wait
until the fruit
is too far gone
to share.
peel it now.
let it sting.
at least
you will finally
know the taste
of the truth.
Apr 8
Apr 8, 2026 at 10:55 PM UTC
I wonder what goes through her head
She's like a book I've never read
The cover both enchanting and confusing me
I comment how her hair looks cute
And peel another piece of fruit
Turns out orange will rhyme with something
With pith under my finger nails
You interrupt, rebuff, regale
You said you know that I'm waiting for you
It seems the radio concurs
The DJ spins 'Venus in Furs'
As you amuse yourself to cure me
While that's less quote, more paraphrase
And now it's weeks instead of days
But you still get to stay equivocal
I'm feeling far too old to care
'Bout books and covers, pith and hair
So I'll just take it out on poetry
Apr 30, 2015
Apr 30, 2015 at 5:30 PM UTC