she peeled away their union
layer by layer
diced it, blended it with
sweat cream butter and warmth,
stirred it gently over low heat.
she peeled away their union
layer by layer.
As he simmered in the other room,
she watched the color deepen,
too scared to stir.
she peeled away their union
layer by layer
down to the bitter core,
the heart tossed aside
with the outer skin.
she peeled away their union
layer by layer
under the running water of her bath,
to control her tears,
dampen the ache in her wrists,
and to diffuse the gentle reddening
of her roux.
Copyright 2006 by the Tipton Poetry Journal.
All rights remain the exclusive property of the individual poet and may not be used without their permission.