Sangue di Jesus

Paint on the bottom of ballerina slippers,
inksplatters on rose - she blooms a virgin
flower fit to burst. Petals unfold, unwieldly words,
as winds rip these wishes free. One by one.
A countdown as the saints come marching sin.

Dancing calligraphy breaks face on heartache,
clipped wingers flutter in frantic discord and she
is colorwashed, bleach striped and slender,
a slipping sliver of truth between the text.
Critics call her fantasia - aficionados try to catch
the last of her oxygen in alleyways, park avenue and
boardwalk. All is bought, sold, paid for.

Rome is the rise and falling, she is
the show. Scambled on the stage-plate, have your meal:
la poesia è il momento prima che la morte
ed amerei vivere in esso
.
Things like these freeze you tongue.

Comments & reviews · 1
Note: You are not logged in, but you can still leave a comment or review. Before it shows up, a moderator will need to approve your comment (this is only a safeguard against spambots). Leave your email if you would like to be notified when your message is approved.

User avatar
Incandescence
Review

Sara--


There is too much happening in too small a space.

It has possibilities, but needs more than the Cliff Notes treatment.

Either pare down your scope or make this considerably longer.


Best,
Brad

PS: Imagery is a good thing, but, like all good things, you shouldn't abuse it. Images alone can't save your poetry.



You're given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself. What you say is completely up to you.
— Madeleine L'Engle, A Wrinkle in Time