After Ingesting a Gin Martini by Jeannie E. Roberts

 everything became clear, not only did Olive rise
to the occasion but Kumquat kicked-ass, spoke truths,
got real with its sipper:

“Partner, you’ve settled, bowed to old-line thinking,
surrendered to conform. Lean responses have kept
you hanging — ‘Not right now.’ ‘Maybe later.’

‘Some other time.’ Dim connections have caused
you pain. Here, you dwell like shadow, feel alone.
Your heart suffers from starvation

as fear trails along — still, you’re shedding layers,
unlatching doors, for you remember life as luminous,
neither vacuum nor chore.”

“Death does not become you,” uttered Olive.
“Another martini?” Kumquat grinned. “More sips
may lead to courage, restore your sparkle,” muttered Gin.

Jeannie E. Roberts has authored four poetry collections and two children's books. Her work appears in print and online in North American and international journals and anthologies. She is poetry editor of the online literary magazine Halfway Down the Stairs. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, you can find her drawing and painting, or outdoors photographing her natural surroundings.