Lovely Penguin

Grand Isle cherry
By R. Marie Gordon

The maraschino cherry
Sparkles sullenly
On a granite countertop
Sinking in the sludge
Of lukewarm phish food

In a crusting bowl left there
Hours before nightfall
Dimming forgotten sundae
Windows watch it melt
…
Kitchen, kitchen dark
Who let me quietly melt
Who watched me flounder
On this curdling liquid pile

I am dejected
I am glistening
Girl in the red dress
Someone devour me

Put the spotlight on my sphere
Pour out this liquid
My candied coat will glimmer
If you get the lights

I am the delectable
I am the desired
Waiting for midnight hunger
To captivate me

Do not go to bed,
Leave me sinking in the dark
I need you gaping
Desiring my existence

I need my red coat again
Open the closet
My synthetic red skin
Doesn’t tread darkness

I am your taste buds’ craving
A sunken shadow
The creamy ripple
Into my awakening