Something the Tongue Can’t Untaste ~ Michael Roque

Ice cream on a cone throne—
YOU, the solid scoop of sweetness,
picked, purchased, carried off 
from freezer to sunshine spotlight 
to bask in an unfamiliar flow
Drip
  Drop
    DRIPPED—
till flavors ran over fingers,
trailed to floors
where footsteps distanced droplets from the whole.

Splat by splat—
YOU, the once solid scoop wept,
caved into your cone,
drizzling a creamy richness over the rim, 
no licks could save.
Drip
  Drop 
    DRIPPED—
till only dry wafer remained,
sticking, smelling 
of memories tongues can never untaste.

~~

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Michael Roque discovered his passion for poetry and prose among friends on the bleachers of Pasadena City College. Now residing in the Middle East, he draws inspiration from the bustling, tumultuous life around him. His work has appeared in literary magazines and anthologies worldwide, including award-winning publications such as North Dakota Quarterly, The Queen’s Review, The Roanoke Rambler, Poetry Super Highway, and many others.

Social Handle: https://www.instagram.com/roquewrites2009/

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