Something the Tongue Can’t Untaste ~ Michael Roque

Ice cream on a cone throne—

YOU, the solid scoop of sweetness,

picked, purchased, carried off 

from freezer to sunshine spotlight 

to bask in an unfamiliar flow

Drip

  Drop

    DRIPPED—

till flavors ran over fingers,

trailed to floors

where footsteps distanced droplets from the whole.

Splat by splat—

YOU, the once solid scoop wept,

caved into your cone,

drizzling a creamy richness over the rim, 

no licks could save.

Drip

  Drop 

    DRIPPED—

till only dry wafer remained,

sticking, smelling 

of memories tongues can never untaste.

~~

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Michael Roque discovered his passion for poetry and prose among friends on the bleachers of Pasadena City College. Now residing in the Middle East, he draws inspiration from the bustling, tumultuous life around him. His work has appeared in literary magazines and anthologies worldwide, including award-winning publications such as North Dakota Quarterly, The Queen’s Review, The Roanoke Rambler, Poetry Super Highway, and many others.

Social Handle: https://www.instagram.com/roquewrites2009/