FULL MOON ON TOP OF A CHAMPAGNE PALM'S TIP

you do not teach a
mellowed orange how to be
orange

in scent and
color
it has always been
orange

put it by the window
or in the garage
roll it on the road
take it on the plane
with you
it will always be
orange

in scent and color and
texture
it will always be orange

you only have to
peel it
and perhaps taste it
and make it
feel that it is a
delicious orange

you do not consume it
you leave it
in your room and you
date your lover
for weeks

it is at this moment
when it is most orange
its juice drying up
as the ants make their
feast

the best orange,
in pulp bits bleeding

why do you think
i can't forget it?