Jane Zwart

Litmus Test

I am thinking of the tongue
after a popsicle, of Shibboleth,
of the flier’s detachable fringe.

Of mildness: milk and blood.
Of  pungency: vinegar, lye.
Of Polaroids and invisible ink.

I am thinking of ponderous
results: a hydrangea that finally
flowers vermillion or sky.

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