Poem 309 ± April 8, 2016

Karen Paul Holmes
Fruitful Hearts

Like grapes

hearts have existed for eons
can be consumed whole
fermented, can muddle the brain

Like pumpkins

hearts grow big, round, full
can be hollowed out
and carved into something grotesque

Like peaches

hearts have a warm fuzzy feeling
give to gentle touch
might be sweet or sour

Like pears

hearts have a distinctive shape,
wider at the bottom,
ideal for child bearing

Like pomegranates

hearts come in more than 700 varieties
can withstand drought
are associated with abundance, fertility, luck

Like vines

hearts easily tangle with each other
benefit from a little pruning
flourish with frequent feeding

Like fruit trees

when properly propagated,
hearts will live on in others
will nourish generations.

 

Karen Paul HolmesKaren Paul Holmes is the author of Untying the Knot (Aldrich Press, 2014). Her work has appeared in Poetry East, Atlanta Review, Lascaux Review, The Sow’s Ear Poetry Review, and the Southern Poetry Anthology Vol 5: Georgia (Texas Review Press). To support fellow writers, Holmes originated and hosts a critique group in Atlanta and Writers’ Night Out in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

This poem appeared in Wild Goose Poetry Review.