Leftover*
February 21, 2021
2020 Merit Award
By Alexandra M. Lucas
Left over
Fruit left off the vine too long without being eaten
Left instead to decay
In the back of a crate
In some cheery farmer’s market
With no air conditioning
Almost all sold
We did well
Good enough!
Now I must do the proper thing —
Collapse into myself
On the bruises and patches of skin
That have lost their softness
Fade from view
So the ones approaching ripeness
Won’t be afraid
A cautionary tale
Look away, now
Look away
*Copyright 2020 by Alexandra M. Lucas. Broadside illustrated by Megan Carroll.
