Pluck me
a true maroon—

show me you can pinpoint
hues of brown and blue.
Surely I
can define a deep rose.

Not melting pink, or aggressing orange.
But velvet layers, prickling, tickling—
pressure-release.

Lost when leeching
for mere nutrient seeping.
Keep one safe and sound:

don’t chew;
use your tongue.

Mash,
grate.
Wholly
taste.

Swallow down.