throw a good orange

I stop for a moment on a busy street when bright fruit catches my eye.

Throw a good orange, catch a good man.

Chinese new year tradition, each year, to go to the sea with my friends.
This year, I didn't.

- does that mean I'll spend another year single?
- these are good oranges

In my mind I feel the blood rush swing of my throwing arm
a bright orange arcing
towards eager grey-green sea
the splash in slow motion.

More real perhaps than if I'd been there in person
just a hint of longing, loneliness and regret in the pull of the current
as a good orange sets its hopeful course, and is swept out to sea.