In the bizarre ritual
of dividing self
between reality
and gingerbread expectations
of love, I walk the island
of my watch trusting
a vase of ecstasies
filled with lilacs and peonies
(symbols and such)
will woo romance
to my door before time
robs them of their blush.
With all the romanticizing of romantic
there must be a tall, handsome (malleable)
male roaming his soul to find words
to proclaim (feebly) of his heart’s loyalty
to all things me.
Surely the astigmatism of a besotted eye
would find me so irresistible my kitchen
of herbs and bones would not offend.
There are islands of letters I’ve collected
from the fallible inklings of masculine absurd
who think their bodies are Eve’s wonderland,
a place where submission would be my blessing.
Of course, no man is an island.
He prefers a skulk where he can
thump and bluster he has the
prowess to own any vixen he desires.
Oh, who would believe I’m a fainting goat
lying prone in dreams of Prince Charming.
Springes line my sidewalk to trap egos
silly enough to think a wink and muscle flex
are enough to reduce me to shivers of surrender.
I am a black widow of various talents who knows
how to protect her web from the dissection
of her spirit to accept less to parade a perception of more.
©Susie Clevenger 2022
Oh my, here is a true and fierce anthem. I love it, and am so glad you wrote this for the list! It appears to me you used every word, quite difficult to do but you pulled it off with skill and power, Susie. Alos, I love the music!
ReplyDeleteI love the term Shay used fierce. These lines are cutting edge strong my friend, and could slice lies into truths. I love this poem and what it represents! Gorgeous writing Susie!
ReplyDeleteI love the word fierce too.......strength and wild woman power in every line of this poem.
ReplyDeleteLove this. So many standout lines. Especially love those gingerbread expectations of love. Who doesn't have gingerbread expectations of love? Awesome
ReplyDeleteThis is an absolutely stunning poem. I love it from start to finish, everything, all stanzas. I can't quote favourite lines without quoting pretty much all of it. The gingerbread expectations of blush, the vase of ecstasies, the malleable male, the kitchen of bones, and the last stanza!
ReplyDelete"I am a black widow of various talents who knows
how to protect her web from the dissection
of her spirit to accept less to parade a perception of more."
*kisses fingers*
So many delightful lines here: love this image - "There are islands of letters" -- perfect.
ReplyDelete~Dora
"who would believe I’m a fainting goat" No-one would even imagine such!!!
ReplyDelete