
Queen Nectarine by Ariana Nevarez
I miss you, Queen Nectarine.
But I'm glad you're in Topaz
among the mountains
following fires. I'm glad
some guy in the squad bet you couldn't
beat their fastest hiker. I'm glad
you used your winnings to buy a bass.
On the next group hike, show them you
can walk with a water bottle balanced
on your head. I'm glad you're still
roaming through the redwoods.
Put your ear against their bark
I'll put a hand against my cheek—
whisper to my redwoods in Boulder Creek
Could you send a sweet "hello" to her for me?
so you know, I'll always write you poetry.
Maybe one day, the words and bass
together will whisper and mingle in music.
Below the sky that blues us both,
low riffs strumming at the bass
of mountains roaming
from your fingers
along your mind...
We'll sing of reigning fruit.