Bridgett Barr - grapefruit

grapefruit I

bitter feelings

fade so slowly

the passage of time

of care

your attention

gone so quickly

brings them back

full flare

grapefruits off

my mother's tree

offered to me

with care

i take them

into my hands

i always eat

what's there

grapefruit II

i pour sugar onto grapefruit

i don't like its bitter taste

once isn't enough;

still bitter underneath

that's why i don't like grapefruit

and yet i still wait for you

and open wide when offered

craving sucrose

your sweet words smother

the hurt you gave me

but it lingers –

a bitter aftertaste

i hate my tongue

for how it craves

your taste – you;

thick nectar

when you leave again

i’m left eating peel

mouth full of pith

still wanting more