
Rust
Rust is the reliable color of
weakness and evasion,
an erratic reacquaintance.
He’s the embarrassing residue
oxidizing at the edge of iron’s brawn.
A popular environmental color,
he was a favorite at the very
first Earth Day in 1970.
Unlike his obstinate cousin,
Orange,
Rust also goes by
Clay,
Cinnamon,
Squash,
Yam,
Copper Mountain.
Crayons know him
as Burnt Sienna.
Redheads call him
Ginger.
The tint of McRib,
he imitates the
machine-formed pork hero:
in and out of our lives —
back for a limited time —
and then gone for months
(or years) on end.