slice that skin real deep, it doesn't hurt.

the sun cauterizes the wound and sweetens it

so the first bite doesn't taste like the dark in a crate.

all the way through, and the musty feel

of gas fumes and truck tires gets gone with the sweep:

metal through slick, ripe flesh.

seeds on the outside, sugar on the inside. each

slice is a new taste. summer is close, simmers on the wind.