A Seduction

I’ve been typing up poems today, reading, and trying to write new ones.  So, I thought I’d share a poem I wrote that I don’t plan on submitting anywhere.

A Seduction
On seeing Bonnie England’s “Female Nude: 49″

Female nude, 49, lies on her side waiting,
anticipating my touch.  She’s one of the few
who actually knew of my exploits—
I didn’t choose her.
She has chosen me, leads me
to believe I can’t get her,
so I do, and she uses me.

Today, she is faceless.
I remember her body:
lush breasts, full hips, small waist.
I remember the way her muscles tensed
when she moaned, but most,
I remember how after

she posed—
like a model for a painting:
attentive, still, patient.

I wrote this while I was at the Bottega waiting for a wine tasting.  I had a few drinks and was looking at some of the artwork in the back.  I wanted to write about a painting, and I chose a painting by the previous owner of the bar, Bonnie England. If you live in or around Wilmington, NC then you should check out the Bottega Art & Wine Gallery downtown.  Most nights it has live music, they host monthly poetry readings, weekly wine tastings,  monthly writing workshops, and always has fun and interesting people.  Here’s a link to their website: http://www.bottegagallery.com/

Shaking Yusef Komunyakaa’s Hand

Yusef Komunyakka was the keynote speaker at Writer’s Week one year while I was at UNCW.  I was lucky enough to see him read, meet him, and get him to sign my copy of Neon Vernacular.  When I shook his hand it was a very important moment for me because I really enjoy his work and he’s such an iconic poet.  Here’s the poem.

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Shaking Yusef Komunyakka’s Hand