Laughing Pistachio Reds

Distinct from the blues,
I remember Babe laughing with
pistachio reds. Or with laughing
pistachio reds, as they are known.

Champagne-painted fingertips
coated in a fine scarlet dust,
quickly sifting the shells
from the nuts, if you know
what I mean (wink. She

was never one to tolerate nuts).
Her laughter floated above her head
while the action was low in the bowl,
on the table, crimson powder wafting.

Unfortunately, I never liked pistachios,
red or otherwise. We shared hard-boiled eggs.