“Orange” by Bruce Morton

Photo Credit: Sheraz Shaikh

It is now our fruit of choice,

Without reason or rhyme, now

The challenge in the moment

For what we yearn. We regret

That the one we have chosen

Is the ornamental variety.

The one with the thin skin,

So bitter, so desiccated,

So dry in its own acidity--

All rind and grind. Next time we

Shall choose the kind that has

Thicker skin, that is succulent

With sweet juice. One that we

Will want to squeeze and savor.

Artist Statement

Is this a still life or a political poem? Perhaps both.

It has been said that my poems are at or near the intersection of existentialism, nihilism, and stoicism—often served with ham on wry.

Bruce Morton divides his time between Montana and Arizona. He is the author of Planet Mort (FootHills Publishing, 2024) and the chapbook Olive-drab Khaki Blues (FootHills, 2026). His poems have appeared in numerous online and print venues. He was formerly dean at the Montana State University library.