12+

Asymmetry and Marlon Brando

i rehearsed inside my head tried a thousand turns of phrase
or combinations of carefully calibrated cautiously crafted communications
With a lofty wish to lure her near with Marlon Brando macho
or if that was too ambitious i’d allow for Al Pacino
and if that too was impossible, 
resort to nervous Neville, or if you will, fall back on my Longbottom.
(which i know something about)

but not being Marlon Brando has definite disadvantages
demonstrably it turns out
subpar skills in suave, a shoddy show of swagger
and an altogether lack of simple sex appeal
it comes as no surprise then, that animal attraction
is only ever real.
in one goddamn direction

and all the careful calibration, the crafting, contemplation
couldn’t cure the affliction causing my exasperation
because in a hall of mirrors when i look in he stares out.
and he isn’t Marlon Brando

Comments & reviews · 3
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Charm
Comment

oh this is so good!(*〇□〇)……!

Thank you marmalade!! Glad you like it :)

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Audy
Review
Audy wrote a review · Fri Jan 20, 2017 3:14 am

I sympathize with your speaker :) Maybe not Marlon Brando but he tries so hard, and I think that is what endears me to the piece—a narrator character fumbling with insecurities but in such a cool way, makes him all the more likable and plus, that end line is delivered marvelously. As a reader I feel tuned in, connected, and really, that is the ultimate sign of success! Characterization and conflict is on point.

I think your experiment helps add a stylistic element and personality, like just the right bit of tongue-and-cheek. I had a chuckle at Longbottom xD

Here though:

is only ever real.
in one goddamn direction


I assume the idea expressed here is unrequited attraction, that period seems to interfere with how I want to read the line as one continuous thought. That's a small nitpick for what is otherwise an enjoyable read of wit and fun!

~ as always Audy

Why thank you Audy! From someone who's poetry I respect as I highly as I do yours, this is high praise indeed. You assume correctly, and the period is meant to introduce a pause in rhythm rather than a disruption in thought. Thanks for the thoughtful and insightful review as always!

User avatar
Biluata
Review
Biluata wrote a review · Thu Jan 19, 2017 1:36 pm

Good morning! Luata here to write a review. It's a bit early in the morning, so you'll have to forgive me if I stop making sense. As I've told everyone else I've reviewed this morning, feel free to PM me or drop a comment if you have questions. I'd be more than happy to chat! My review is divided into sections to try to make it easier to read. As you are the author and I am not, take my suggestions any way you please. I hope this proves to be somewhat helpful.

Overall

I really enjoyed reading this poem. It had a very fast paced flow, which I found immensely pleasurable. The alliteration is a nice touch, it really helps with flow. You said this was an experimental poem? I would definitely say that it is a success.

Grammar

There were a few grammar things that bothered me quite a bit when reading your poem. The lack of capitalization for one, and the scarcity of punctuation; however, I do believe that was a style choice? So beyond that, no grammar complaints

Again, amazing piece. I look forward to reading your future works!
~Luata



All my life I've wanted to be someone; I guess I should have been more specific.
— Jane Wagner