a satisfying crunch

that splits the still air

hanging in my bedroom.

yanked from tree branches

before they even develop,

sweeten, soften.

serving only as a sought-out

craving to be fondled

on grocery store shelves

.

a lack of nectar

that usually spirals

in sticky ribbons down my fingers.

nothing to drip off

of my gleaming teeth.

(9/18/19)