COLLECTIVE POETRY: ROUND 9

On Wednesdays, I post a photograph on my Rasjacobson Art Facebook Page and ask people to add a single line of poetry in the comments from which I attempt to create a cohesive piece of writing. This week’s collective poem came quickly. Inspired by fall produce & “cuffing season,” this piece represents the combined efforts of ten people. Many thanks to everyone who participated.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

The day we met, we were damaged.

Bruised fruit, I heard someone say —

but I could see

how delicious we could be

if we focused on our sweet parts.

And so we did, that morning

over coffee and peaches. I watched

your eyes scan the newspaper,

the sunlit glow of illumination.

Afterwards, we paced the perimeter

of the market, with each step

learning more about each other

Like how you left my list

on the table at home, preferring

to touch each melon,

each eggplant, in the moment

your fingers, running up ringed cones of carrots,

I fell in love with you that moment

there, in the produce section

and I would hold your dusty hand,

forever, happily research recipes

to make a perfect vegetable soup,

perhaps someday

I’ll convince you it’s better to have

one bruised piece of fruit than

no sweetness at all.