i pour a little hope in my tea
because it tastes like cream
the stillness is sweet
but loneliness
it lingers at the back of my throat
ho hum hints of bitter melon
i get lost, gazing at the garden
summer is still breathing
between ruby grape tomatoes
desperately clinging for life
on withering vines
the birds rejoice at the feeder
serenading me to breakfast
but i am only hungry for words
mellow conversations that
taste like cherimoya
i chew on my thoughts
they taste like burnt toast
and almond butter
We are incorporating fruit into our poetry at dVerse Poets Pub.
I’ll be your host. Doors open at 3 p.m. EST.
Image: pixabay.com
mishunderstood 
Your prom moved me in unexpected ways. So many levels in those words. Best, Babsje
Thank you so much. 🙂
I love how where you took this, I think fruits can touch so many memories. Love how you blended it.
Thank you, Bjorn. 🙂
This is absolutely stunning, Mish! I especially love; “summer is still breathing between ruby grape tomatoes.”💝💝
Thank you, Sanaa. I almost left that out. Glad you liked it.
oh this was sheer poetry! such a joy to read and re-read –
“summer is still breathing
between ruby grape tomatoes”
Thanks so much, Laura!
Mish,
As a mirror to the interior, it doesn’t get better than this! Very moving in its introspection and poignancy.
pax,
dora
Thank you for your very thoughtful comment. Much appreciated. 🙂
My pleasure. 🙂
Mish, I very much enjoyed the balance of your poem, which defines bittersweet. My favorite lines:
“i pour a little hope in my tea”
and
“ho hum hints of bitter melon”
Thanks Lisa. I guess a little hope can balance things out. 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂
I chew on my thoughts
they taste like burnt toast
and almond butter
You put it right Mish! We often have this feeling when things don’t seem right. Not writer’s block but it provides for some reflections. Thanks for hosting, Ma’am!
Hank
My pleasure! Thanks for stopping by to read. 🙂
” a little hope in our tea” … I like the sound of that! This poem is sheer delight. I enjoyed it so much.
Aww, thanks Bev! 🙂
I almost took this perspective for my piece, but levity overtook me, and the poem went a different direction. Yours is perfection illustrating your prompt.
Well it’s a good thing to be overtaken by. Always a pleasure to read yours. 🙂
Wonderful poem Mish, with nice splashes of summer — a welcome read.
Thank you, Rob. 🙂
I love your opening line (and the almond butter that may have a chance of saving that toast).
It may have…thanks Ken. 🙂
I learned a new fruit name today and also discovered it is sometimes called ‘custard apple.’ I would love to taste it … one day in a place far away from my high desert environment! Thank you for an intriguing challenge, Mish.
Thanks for reading, Helen. 🙂
Luv that last stanza
Much💖love
Thank you, Gillena. 🙂
Such evocative poetry. It touched many senses. Thank you for introducing me to the Cherimoya! ☺️💕
Thanks so much, Christine.
Wonderful imagery in this! The last stanza was particularly impressive.
Thank you, Phillip. I appreciate your comment. 🙂
What wonderful metaphors you have come up with in this poem. Loneliness lingering at the back of your throat… after swallowing that dash of hope!
A really beautiful poem Mish!
Thank you for your kind comment, Dwight. 🙂
You are welcome!
The beautiful land tasty memories of sweet summer!
Yes, its hard to watch it fade sometimes. Thanks for dropping in. 🙂
Stunning Mish-‘but i am only hungry for words
mellow conversations that
taste like cherimoya’
Thank you so much, Linda.
You’re welcome.
Loneliness lingering at the back of the throat, is such an incredible turn of phrase. The whole thing is really lovely.
You make me thirsty for more beautiful imagery, Mish.
❤
David
There is a longing in your poem which makes the poem suit the times well. Absence of truthfullness, and the disappointment of substitute. One’s cup of tea should be more than the cup. Though, by the end you introduce the self-criticism, aI see, as you point to the second thought. “Who am I,” lissom, “forgetting the marmelade.” Ai enjoyed the reading. There is a certain nobility to the poem.
hope tasting cream and the many tastes you presented here left me with a reflective smile, Mish. wonderfully done.