The first time I walked With a girl, I was twelve, Cold, and weighted down With two oranges in my jacket. December. Frost cracking Beneath my steps, my breath Before me, then gone, As I walked toward Her house, the one whose Porch light burned yellow Night and day, in any weather. A dog barked at me, until She came out pulling At her gloves, face bright With rouge. I smiled, Touched her shoulder, and led Her down the street, across A used car lot and a line Of newly planted trees, Until we were breathing Before a drugstore. We Entered, the tiny bell Bringing a saleslady Down a narrow aisle of goods. I turned to the candies Tiered like bleachers, And asked what she wanted - Light in her eyes, a smile Starting at the corners Of her mouth. I fingered A nickel in my pocket, And when she lifted a chocolate That cost a dime, I didn't say anything. I took the nickel from My pocket, then an orange, And set them quietly on The counter. When I looked up, The lady's eyes met mine, And held them, knowing Very well what it was all About.
Outside, A few cars hissing past, Fog hanging like old Coats between the trees. I took my girl's hand in mine for two blocks, Then released it to let Her unwrap the chocolate. I peeled my orange That was so bright against The gray of December That, from some distance, Someone might have thought I was making a fire in my hands.
Welcome to The grey clover. My name is Mayowa. I'm a physiotherapy student. I am also a lover of Literature, Arts, Science and technology. I have several interests which includes writing poetry, photography, fashion designing and there are still much more things I hope to learn. Thanks for stopping by!
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6 thoughts on “Oranges: Poem of the day”
This is beautiful – I don’t read a lot of poetry, but was very moved by the images and setting in Oranges. Thanks for sharing.
This is beautiful – I don’t read a lot of poetry, but was very moved by the images and setting in Oranges. Thanks for sharing.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for reading it
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I found this poem to be warm and moving. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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I did too! Thank you for reading through. I’m glad you enjoyed it😊
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This is one of my fav’s. I’ve been saving it in my arsenal as a back up for when I don’t have the time to write a post, lol. Love it!
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I had been keeping it for a few weeks too in my drafts😅 I’m glad you like it
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