Lotus Eaters

by Michael McClintock and Michael Dylan Welch

First published in Frogpond 25:2, Summer 2002, page 41. Written 13–24 October 2001 by email.

hefting a plum—

I know by heart

my father’s orchard McClintock

downtown library—

I dare to eat a peach Welch

she takes the apple

from my palm . . .

and it’s understood McClintock

blackberry stains

in the wooden basket—

knowing she’s late Welch

leading down the lane

crumbs of lemon cake McClintock

languid afternoon—

I swallow the lotus fruit

placed upon my tongue Welch