HOLLY STAMPER

the peach

i have to tell you something.
i bit the fruit,
and broke the skin
that wasn't mine.

i planned the whole thing
waiting for it to soften
watching others touch
knowing anyone of them could have taken it
if you wanted.

I was alone. I would not have minded
company,
but just the same,
I have to tell you
when the skin broke
the flesh poured out
and I tried to catch it,
but the juice dripped
over my lifted chin.
none has ever tasted so good.

i did feel selfish.
it wasn't mine and I knew how you'd get,
but the more greed I felt
the sweeter it tasted.

i stood there
alone in the kitchen
and feared for one brief moment
how angry you would be,
so I tossed that wrinkly little
pit in the garbage,
wiped my face
and walked away.