Emily
This is not another one about
how I would like to kiss you,
how I forever and always,
Sincerely miss you; because
I is tired of acting, because
You is tired of passing, because
We are tired of writing poetry
that pleases the masses,
but leaves us feeling like asses,
For dishing out what is expected,
for speaking in a different voice
that sounds too akin to a whine
to belong to a prophet or pastor,
or someone in the business,
of delivering advice,
and receiving forgiveness.
This is not another confession.
This is a poem. About something.
A poem about politics or pedagogy
Or people, but not a person not
some arbitrary object of love
named You.
There may be pretty rhymes,
enjambs, and bits of tulle,
but do not be distracted.
There’s more to be desired
inside. Go ahead,
and unwrap this.
This poem does not care
if you muss up her hair,
and feels no shame
For setting it, or for wearing
a belt to accentuate her form.
That’s what [women] poets do.
We have the tools
for spinning letters
into fine language,
And are not afraid
to use them.
That’s what makes us crafty,
And crooked.
Beauty is essential to our strategy,
of getting you to pick up this thing
That, despite its gender, does not bend
to the feminine style, or other limits,
which do not exist.
There were no concessions made
for your taste, aside from that
brief mention of love,
Just because. Because
Emily is an ode, with brown hair
and brown eyes, and a mouth that
shouts sometimes;
To her lover, who also has hair
and eyes, and a mouth that gives
kisses to Emily.
Emily is neither sweet as pie,
nor humble as mashed potatoes,
but she is what I like,
And this is not about you.
okay poetry 