Imitation Summer

It has been called a pill,

and reputed to grow to the size of a beach ball

(If not the one in front of me, at least its ilk).

I swaddle in in my scored, scarred, stony hands,

Examine first with touch before I read the words

SOLID CORK & RUBBER CENTER

SYNTHETIC LEATHER COVER.

My nose tells me that it smells like imitation summer,

Faux Americana that fits in the palm of your hand...or...

Or maybe in my pocket.