he was sour patch kids

he was sour patch kids • Natalie Franson

first that sour,

sucker punch

pucker your lips

sudden twitch

tang in your jaw

overpowering

mouthwatering

nighttime calling

something that

only lasts a few

seconds, maybe

if you’re sensitive

feels like a minute

and for a minute I thought to spit him out

but then he turned sweet

melting in your mouth

slow and lasting

lingering taste

stick to your teeth

kind of sweet

long walks on the beach

morning calls

and matted hair

laughing and smiling

giving up secrets

living without a care

and he made up

for the lingering sour

with so much sweet

it could give me

diabetes