Verse: pickles

(for @picklelou)

bejeweled with sweat
when retrieved
from the back
of the fridge
i hold the jar
in my hand and
with some exertion
remove the lid

this is a moment
suspended in time
a moment punctuated
by a pop, and then
the familiar aroma
of vinegar and garlic
fills the kitchen
makes my tongue tingle
with anticipation

a moment
broken only
when the tip
of my incisor
pierces that tense
and dimpled skin
releasing
the tangy nectar
and soft flesh
within.