The Introvert and the Nectarine
Is there anything better than hiding
in the kitchen—leaning over the sink
to stare into limescale, tannin stains, and dirty plates—
eating a summer nectarine?
Is there anything sweeter than the juice
trickling down my fingers, dripping into the sink
as I savour this stolen moment of calm?
Is there anything more
deliciously satisfying
than the sound of sucking succulent flesh
drowning out the background hubbub?
Satiated, revitalised —
I rinse the evidence
from my sweet, sticky fingers,
collect what I came for,
and return to the party.
Dr. Anna Joyce (she/her) is an academic and sleep therapist based in London, UK. She is fascinated by why we sleep, and how to help people get more of it. Inspired by science and psychologies, her poetry explores nature, evolution, and human experience. She enjoys playing the piano, taking long walks, creating beautiful things, and finding awesome in the ordinary. She lives in South London with her husband, two children, and a little black cat.
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Orlam by PJ Harvey
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