I ripened in my spiky spring-green shell
From a white seed into a chocolate-brown chestnut
And with impatient, wild desire bulged against the confines of pregnancy.
Until with a loud pang I burst the tough peels,
Glistening with the creamy polish of birth
Anticipating wonders.

Then a child picked me up
And rubbing me between his moist palms
He spotted his own surprised reflection in my glossy surface.
At that moment my pride melted, smudging me with disappointment
For I no longer belonged
To myself alone.