Welcome to the 90th Virtual Poetry Circle!
Remember, this is just for fun and is not meant to be stressful.
Keep in mind what Molly Peacock’s books suggested. Look at a line, a stanza, sentences, and images; describe what you like or don’t like; and offer an opinion. If you missed my review of her book, check it out here.
It’s a new year, and if you haven’t heard there is a new feature on the blog this year . . . my first ever, poetry reading challenge. Yup, that means everyone should be signing up because all you need to do is read 1 book of poetry.
Today’s poem comes from Blood Dazzler by Patricia Smith:
Superdome (page 40)
I did not demand they wade through the overflow from toilets,
chew their own nails bloody in place of a meal.I didn’t feed their squalling babies chewing gum,
force them to pee out loud in gutters,
or make them lick their own sweat for healing salt.I pity the women who had to sleep with their legs
slammed shut, and the elders with their rheumy eyes
trained on my crown even after it was ripped away.Glittering and monstrous, I was defined by a man’s hand,
my tight musculature coiled beneath plaster and glass.
I was never their church, although I disguised myself as shelter
and relentlessly tested their faith.
Let me know your thoughts, ideas, feelings, impressions. Let’s have a great discussion…pick a line, pick an image, pick a sentence.
I’ve you missed the other Virtual Poetry Circles. It’s never too late to join the discussion.