A Solitary Cherry
J. W. Hocter

Its pit, unerring,
hardened seed at
the fruit’s core;
Its flesh, sluicing
mantle of meat,
juice, and the rest;
Its skin, scantily
thin yet unyielding,
home to spreading
colonies, civilizations
of self-importance,
periodically rinsed
clean by the 
grower’s hand.
  

Return to Fall 2007 Table of Contents