I used to eat Hershey's Kisses
slowly
deliberately
first nibbling down the point,
then working my way around the base,
before placing its heart on my tongue
and letting it melt there
into a rich, chocolate mush.
I would crease the paper flag in half
in half again
and once more,
place it into the center of the foil
that I was careful not to tear
and fold the edges around the flag
smoothly,
symmetrically,
into a neat, silver nugget
to flick into the trash,
or pile on the table.

Lately, I take my kisses
full and whole
into my mouth all at once,
savoring the flavor
but not lingering.
I line up the flags on my desk
like a tally card,
and casually toss away
the ripped, crumpled foil,
occasionally balling it
into a haphazard clump
and apathetically discarding it
like worn clothes when the day ends.

Tonight,
you were my sugar rush.
Just leave your flag on the dresser.

02/22/2001

Posted on 10/26/2001
Copyright © 2024 Meredith C Hartwell