they burst from the paper bag
running like salt from a shaker
scattering flecks of taste
they gush like soft-drink
push the button & they gurgle & froth
with youthful bubbles over the rim
they burn & sear like burger patties
on the grill, hot anger spits
from their mouths as they yell
they ooze like ice-cream
filling every corner, every gap
compact with cold determination
they have sizzled in the fat
crisp as you like, now they’re
blocking arteries in the street.
Used in the Level 2 NCEA English Exam, 2010.
