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The Invention

Dedicated to Betty Dodson, artist and activist

Published by Inverted Syntax

Give her a whirl; make the siren sing.

            The prompt, echoing in my head

as she draws like Betty, so

            familiar with the female form

Yet with some reluctance

            a hesitance to

                        give in

to the urges

            that dare to

                        Overwhelm.

 

Lights reflecting off metal structures,

            blurred by each revolution of passengers

on their own questionable journeys.

            But to them I can pay no mind.

My eyes I cannot tear away

            from chestnut bob,

miniature backpack,

            wonders that it holds,

thrifted, sporty romper,

            a challenge.

                        A touch

on the arm

            as a hall of mirrors

            claims the last sense

                                    Of reality.

 

Placards that conflict

                                    Stop.    Go.      Wait.

            While tongues begin

                        work like juicers

                                    behind a bar

                        Efficient

Providing pleasure, flavor,

            textures brought

                        to the mouth, unfiltered,

            bypassing the accompanying

glass filled with bubbles.

 

Spilling over into puddles

            of nectar, sweet

                        but sharp with acidity

the combinations endless and gratifying

            in ways more sustaining

                                                than even hydration.

 

Not to be let off so easily,

                                    insatiable,       she pursues.

            the thrill, ultimate,

                        Devastating,

            yet empowering in its

dynamic pull.

            This journey

                        exposed together

embracing the possibilities

                        a seminal lack of                     romanticism

                                    Betrayed only by intimacy.

© 2023 by Anna Marie Ray

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