peaches

peach
staple of my youth
orchard across the road
at 8, i'm scared to dare take a
toe
off the curb
even with big brother's hand to hold
dirt scent in the air
but it's the sweet that lingers
in my mind
juicy
ripe
orangey-flesh
take a bite
sweet
soft
fuzzy
yummy
the perfect summertime treat
they cut that orchard down
only months later
and i was too afraid
to cross that road
it would have made a difference
would it?
there's no sweet in the spring air
just the stink of pollution