by Eriana Ktistakis

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hazy hues of summer wrap around

me like a blanket, the world tinted shades of 

amber. bare feet in gentle earth, 

soft leaves and crumbling

dirt. the sun against my face in lacey

 shadows and warm highlights. the breeze

 so sweet, so tart. it’s intoxicating.

 between branches, i grab hold

 of a small hanging fruit, 

twisting until 

it snaps and the tree stretches 

back into place. 

it’s firm against my fingers.

 dimpled skin falls in pieces, 

nails digging into pale pith 

over and over. 

it’s sweet, i just know it. 

i bite into it and the juice drips 

down my chin. 

it’s orange.

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© Eriana Ktistakis

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Eriana Ktistakis (she/her) grew up in Athens, Greece. She is currently obtaining her BA in English Creative Writing at The Ohio State University, where she serves as a reader for The Journal. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Deal Jam Magazine. Her work can be found in Rising Action Review.

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