Jill McGrath

Word Count 81

Oranges in Sunlight

       Kathmandu, Nepal

And so the sun gives back

what it has taken, 

the orange unleashed from air,

from all surroundings,

lies as gently as a pearl

or drop of water. 

As gift, it is willing

to be received.  

As infinite,

it is willing to remain.

Memory contains it.

Each one, reacquainted, 

cannot answer 

to one’s first glimpse of orange:  

sunlight,

fire radiance,

then touch, the porous bumpy skin, 

the crisp opening,

orange spray rising --

like bathing in light.

*

Jill is a Seattle poet who finds inspiration on a paddle board or a hiking trail. She also loves to travel, and this poem was written while she was living in Kathmandu, Nepal, working as an editor for tourism magazines.