Collections of Embellished Fictions, Philosophies, and Poetry

Chocolate

May 20. 2020.

When I was twelve
I could look out of the window
And see all the lights on snow
With no disruptions.
Tonight, though, there was a boy
And I remembered what we
Planned to do.
Running downstairs, I felt blood
Rushing right round, rosy and 
Ridiculous. I must’ve looked
Ridiculous, but he smiled and
We went off. He looked 
Nervous, and I almost
Wanted to hold his hand.
Almost. The street lights
Were suns and I didn’t 
Realise it was night.
The snow glowed and
I would dance if I 
Wouldn’t look so stupid.
Stepping into the drugstore
Warranted a vintage and stale
Scent which I loved. I liked 
Chocolate, carefree and cavalier,
Crunchy and contemplative,
I wanted a bite. In silence
I picked it up, held it up, 
Smiled at that nervous boy
Because he looked so sad
And hopeful. He looked
Tired, then; my heart sank,
Was he still my friend?
We went to the counter
And set it down, 
His expression one of disparity.
I sighed silently and watched
The saleslady make eye contact
And he looked hopeful 
Again. I wondered, why
Oranges? But said nothing,
And we walked out, 
Sharing the chocolate.

A.N. A piece I wrote from the perspective of the girl in "Oranges" by Gary Soto.