Like a Lemon, a poem

A gift from my daughter recently inspired me to write a poem about lemons. Apparently, she thinks of me whenever she sees one. I hadn't realized - until then - how many lemony thingamajigs are in my kitchen!

The (lemony) giftbag she gave me included not only a (lemony) card explaining the concept for the assortment of gifts, but more (lemony) items for my apparent collection - tea towels, note cards, soap... You get the idea; a sweet and tangy gift as thoughtful as it was clever.

A few weeks later, while musing over a new topic to write about, I joyfully headed down this (lemony) path and, lo and behold, found a concept and a few fresh words. I discovered that lemons are a study of contrast, as am I! Lemons are what they are... but in some ways they're also what they are not!

I hope you have a zesty sprinkle of laughter reading "Like a Lemon". I had fun writing it!

Like A Lemon

By Josette Abruzzini

Like a lemon,

whole, self-centered, obvious...

yet squeezable.

Like a lemon,

bright, colorful, pleasant...

yet intense.

Like a lemon,

fresh, succulent, zesty...

yet mushy.

Like a lemon,

bitter, tangy, sour...

yet delightful.

Like a lemon,

blending, enhancing, or flavorful...

yet always seeking balance.

Like a lemon,

aromatic, cleansing, preserving...

yet fleeting.

Like a lemon,

refreshing, fostering, supporting...

yet solitary.

With seeds to be sown and a purpose all my own,

may I forever be

like a lemon!

Thanks Diane for such a thoughtful gift! Perhaps I should grow my own lemon tree!

This poem was recently published in

Pennsylvanian Bards:

Eastern PA Poetry Review 2026,

an Anthology of Poetry

by Eastern Pennsylvanian Poets.

Josette Abruzzini/STEAM Educator/Writer builds bridges and nudges perspectives. She's a native Canadian and a naturalized American who visits her home province of Newfoundland and Labrador at every opportunity!