| Sandy Alletto has lived through many vivid events and survived. Professor Carla Harryman at Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich., has nurtured her soul and enlightened her mind, opening the passageway for her creativity's birth. She is alive now. |
Poetry? A Manifesto in Terminal Progress Sandy Alletto Poetry? E-X-A-M-In-Er Examin/er I am not invisible, nor hidden inside fading wallpaper yellow though I've am
Scrutinized
Chastised Patronized Institutionalized Lobotomized Medicated Placated Violated Bought Sold Stoned –hunted-hung-burnt-raped And labeled a Scarlet woman Poetics? I'm no doll in your house I AM/ not a caged bird I do not Idolize your "turkey neck and gizzards." I wont paint my face and dance I will not sew my lips, cover my sex with a frilly apron Nor martini you at the door I do not care about Mr. Clean Or wax build-up on my floor I am not looking for prince oh-so-charming I do not need his kiss of life He can kiss- off into the suburbs With his Barbie molded wife Poetry? I am aware You play me to lay me then want to remake me Your faceless lines insult me Wearing loafers no socks You're audacity makes me laugh
Like sugar free chocolate And I
Daddy dear, Will no longer tolerate pumping me on your off ice desk. Now is my time. I've taken all the crap I can digest. Poetry? Hear my heart beaten beat bloody Eyes a storms afterglow so sweet summer sexual sinlight chasing Paper leaves cross city streets tasting bitter life's espresso doled in sips White tiny tea cups winter's stark tree trunks Drawn in crooked colored crayons Bites of words fighting to get out Out Cold wind waking tired faces talking hot parched throats Quenched by salty beer tears fingers frosted upon window pushing Bright light sanitary white tu/lips rusted wet gutters dirty Elastic plastic boxes tied together No Choice Voice reaching through thick fog from sinkholes Mind's twisted dream scene Murderous meandering girl taking red pills Holding onto ghost soul chocking on repetitious crucifixion Searching for free parking under peach umbrella dripping cracked floor baby seashells in a suitcase out the window water rising no note juicy plums weren't mine. ACT 1 SCENE 1 (He steps into the room) HE: I'm leaving soon. SHE: But your daughter: It's been a week— HE: Got to go—Got to bring home the meat. SHE: What about me? I have a life too? HE: Be patient. I've got a ladder to climb. SHE: You've got time—I'm just starting school. What about the maid? HE: Sweetie pie, she'll just have to wait—go bake a cake. SHE: I don't bake. Don't you care? HE: Darling be real. Your "grocery money" won't even compare. Poetry? Long ago in a castle far away was a knight Long hair blowin' in the wind Love beads adorning his suit of amour His horse Mary-Jane Theme song "Imagine" Sword ERA From an ivory tower he rescued an American princess They never were a/part One day they heard all their talking as Nothing More Just talk ACT 2 SCENE 1 (Eight years later) HE: Do you think you can do the dishes—this house is a mess. When's the last time you vacuumed? Just look at this room. SHE: Did you look at her report card? Did you stop at the store? HE: Get off of my back SHE: Will you be home Wednesday night? HE: Shit, I'm bleeding—look at the blood. SHE: Did you pay the phone bill? HE: Look at the time— SHE: Here, here's a band-aid HE: So, do you think you might….be in the "mood" tonight? (Pause) SHE: I don't know, I— HE: Great! Then it's a date. See you at eight. ACT 3 SCENE 1 (8 years after that)
Waiting… red is bright the summer light… Met at Jack's A fly drinking partner B and C sit at two top Black spiky legs B moves his chair in close Shadows are getting longer path is almost grey B stares straight into her pulls her hand to his mouth C's glass reflects lights from dance floor. Tilts head back. Giggles. Tears salty B reaches touches C's neck, necklace catches shimmer, gold. Ticking crickets loud. Veranda almost completely covered leafy shadows. Dancing leg lifts spiked heels Sweaty bottom stuck to lawn cushion C stirs finger with long tips finger in B's mouth Rip napkin under red wine glass just slightly, did I pay the gardener? B feeds C B and C stand. C stumbles, caught by B. Garbage fed steak dinner. Chain front door. Why? At first you cry Then Nip Tuck Laser New face. ACT1 SCENE 1 (2 years later) Swinging door, liver tainted corridor, urine linoleum ammonia floors Lysol hairspray Plastic living bra Softscrub art Shock treatments Shots, pills, Skull drills Poetry? Before you enter Read the note on the door I know more than you've assumed Don't be animalistic Show your manners
slowly chew Let my words luxuriate till they're juicy ripe Let them percolate your eyes brew Allow them to bleed
weep assist
them in cutting you in two I no longer worship the rack and the screw I will no longer stand being invisible to you Take a look inside yourself And you will see me
there too. |
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