Taste of Life

Elena Gioachin

Elena Gioachin

Age 10-12 category | Spring into Poetry Contest 2025 | San José Public Library

Taste of Life 
 
The taste of love is sweet 
When there is one chocolate 
And your family 
Gives it to you 
 
The taste of guilt is bitter 
When you drink coffee as a minor 
Then your mother comes 
And you lie to her 
 
The taste of sadness is sour 
When your friend tells you they hate you 
Underneath the lemon tree 
And runs away 
 
The taste of forgiveness is sweet 
When your friend comes back 
Handing you a candy, eyes pleading 
And you smile and accept 
 
The taste of friendship is sweet, but slightly sour 
When you and your friend are given a candy each 
But your friend's one is sour 
So you switch with them 
 
The taste of death is salty, yet also sickeningly sweet 
When your tears stream down your face 
Into your mouth 
And the incense burns 
 
The taste of life varies 
Like a multicourse meal 
Every flavor: sour, sweet, bitter, salty 
Is present 
 
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