lemon

by Tempest Miller

The thirsty triathlete

swallows whole succulent fat

oblong lemons

from the kerb where she is running

I liked lemons once

in orchards on high ground

above the sea

they were covered in salt

they were loaded into big wooden boxes

and put on trucks

taken to the psychiatric clinic in the city centre

across from the Category B jail and the Five Guys

and everywhere slabs of yellow stone for pavement

they were a peace offering

share your story

tell us who you are

the lemons hang revolted at themselves

droopy heavy

defiled total yellow

like sand

the triathlete runs away

Photo by Tempest Miller

BIO: Tempest Miller (he/him) is a queer writer from the UK. He publishes a monthly chapbook on Amazon. His work has appeared in JAKE, Boats Against the Current and Swamp Pink. His instagram is @tempestm1ller.