"Orange Bloom" by Grace Kobriger

The color orange
Do you like the color orange?
Growing up, I was never fond of the shade
Bright and Bastardly
Always watching me from across the room
Waiting amongst fleshed fabrics or cold metal
Waiting? Waiting for what?
To scar me with vivid gleam?
So, I too cannot escape the chemical imbalances that remain aggressive
Blinding my peripherals and burning my skin
Rust-eaten hums from my favorite necklace

As I got older, it had stuck around, and I took a liking
Blending within the depths of yellows and reds
And the stench of beetles in my windows
Savory tones of warmth engravings
With the taste of sour apples and spores of decay
Did you ever like the color orange?
Or just the feelings that came with it?
The thick aroma of pumpkin that settles in your throat
After a stuffing of turkey and potatoes
Cozy blankets with knitted friendships
That are illuminated by candles and kettle corn

Now, I hate to see it go
Leaves shriveling to wilts
Bark shedding skin
Until there’s nothing left
Skeletal frames groan with the harsh breeze
Winter is only a breath away
Inhaling the autumn soul.

Grace Kobriger is currently a senior at Waldorf University double majoring in Communications and Creative Writing. Grace plans on continuing to pursue her career as a film director after college and plans to make it into HollyWood. Grace is involved with a lot of things and has many hobbies on and off campus, which consists of photography, art, and animation. Grace will dearly miss Waldorf University and all of the memories, but is very thankful of all of the friends and family she has found within the community.