It’s a metaphor

I felt a slight pressure

Right below my belly button before

It crawled up and bit me and

My chest felt the heaviness but

My eyes were swelling so I

Closed them because

That’s what you said to do if

They tell me that beauty is in the

Eyes of the beholder,

Close them.

***

I’m not ready

I walk hesitantly towards the pear tree.

She beckons me and I try awkwardly

To mirror her sultry gait.  Looking behind,

I think I have forgotten something so

I make to turn around. She grabs my

Shoulder and pushes a pear into my mouth

Hoping its taste would bait me to stay.

It’s not ripe. My face sours and my mouth

Rejects it automatically. It’s too late though,

I know what bitter is.