‘Ring Master’
The clementine sun dies,
and the sky turns Rouge Dior
on my lips.
I can’t breathe—
pachyderm sternum squatting,
trunk wrapped round my neck.
Couture scarves
hang in my closet,
but that elephant I’ll never forget.
Head underwater,
even in a shower,
makeup darting,
running bond tile,
on its way to the drain.
Dumbo-sized blunder,
letting go of prayers,
lonely hearting
to the still sky’ll
make wonder if you’re sane.
And it’s you I see
in the clouds,
big ears flapping.
I’m beguiled
by your elephant eyes,
long lashes batting.
And you’re in the waterfall with me,
fancy shower head spilling;
the sun’s from your mouth,
setting down your throat.
Red tongue, tangerine peeling,
returning my rouge.
Who needs lipstick
on a safari,
as juice drips from my skin?
You trumpet your arrival.
The king of the jungle
was never the lion.
So tell me the truth—
as you bury your dead,
pulling me in.
Remember what love is?
-N&A
https://m.primal.net/KCSK.mov