Tracy Jane Terry
bittersweet
the wild cherries grow bittersweet
high above the forest floor
plump
red
inviting
a lofty position
only obtainable by the most agile of wild animals
desire spurs the creature into a frenzy
clamoring
clinging to the branches
once in claw
the smooth red flesh shines impenetrable
glaring back at its captor
defiant
pierced
broken by the sharp teeth of the beast
its beauty released
the flesh turns limp
a flimsy protection offered in vain
the mouth goes dry
the rush of juices is too bitter
the pulp falls
discarded
seed exposed to the cruel elements
betrayed by its own beauty