first came to me
as the delicious vowel O
in neat formation
at the grocery store.
Its rind pulled away,
wrapping on a gift,
the thumb dividing
hearts, equally sweet
or bitter.

Later I saw
its existence
as language
in neat formation,
a shape-shifting complexity.

Later still
I heard it
as everything
I've already said
except most succulent
(as thought in Singapore)
among other
many-hearted things.