There’s lovely messiness with romance.
At least that is what the flower poets
plant on pages inamoratas harvest.
Elzeth is more practical.
She knows no matter how beautiful
the fruit looks on the apple tree
there is one that fools you with its rot.
Even stars with their diamond glitter
will lead you astray if your eyes aren’t
schooled in lessons from a telescope.
She is not without a wink and flirt,
but she has gathered too many stones
in her heart to not be cautious of
the illusion handsome means tender.
Yet ice will only stay frozen if heat
doesn’t bring its thaw, and Elzeth
is not immune to the right flame.
In the garden of sighs she is vigilant.
A kiss on her lips could be a path
through Eve’s Garden where there isn’t
a serpent to lead her to truth.
©Susie Clevenger 2025
I have certainly been fooled by fruits before! Love this.
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