You know how some poems kind of ramble on and on and at the end you're left wondering what the heck happened? Gary Soto's poem, "Oranges," is not one of those poems. In fact, it's the total opposite. In 56 lines, this poem tells a clear story—and it's a good one.
In "Oranges," the speaker recalls his first date. Well, "date" is strong word. He recalls walking to the store with a girl to buy some candy. What do you want? They were just twelve years old. Anyway, the speaker picks the girl up at her house. She's happy to see him. He's happy to see her. Things couldn't be going better. It's kind of a cold, gloomy day for a walk, but they don't seem to mind. They go to the drugstore to buy some candy. The speaker says the sweets are on him (what a guy), but then things get sticky. He's got a nickel and she chooses chocolate that costs a dime—trouble. Luckily this guy is pretty clever and he works things out with the lady at the counter. Problem solved. The rest of the "date" goes off without a hitch. They even end up holding hands for two whole blocks. Ah, to be young again, right?