i am looking

[Doreen Peri]

(2004)

I am looking for
a correspondent whose
heartbeat quickens
by ripped apart
sealing wax,
months in wait
of a canceled
stamp.

I am looking for
a soldier's return.
I am Cleopatra.
I ache for Anthony's burn
upon my breast,
asp in hand grasped
at the neck.

I am looking
for an antique Greek
silk scarf
draped
around
naked
virtues,
prepared
to be pulled off
with a gentle
tease.

I am looking
for exposure
by an easy
delight of senses
exchanged word
for word.

Please my
look into
you.

i is a dora
open, baby,
don't kidjyerself
about honor like that.

antony had a screwloose
somewhere, never came
back to his cleo

but scarf it up to
not paying attention
to the venom.

i am isadora,
dunkin' my whole
soul into a digged-in
bent knee twist angled
just left of the argument,
ready for a leap.

i keep my greek silk
wrapped loosely around
values and questions.

dance me on your shield.

i am pulled home
by the battle.

the girl got a little Iliad,
but don't think that's
Oddyasee,
'cause when
he talked that
Greek shit,
she replied,

can't hit a
Homer
every time.

----------

but i am blind
in the only eye
i have, your cyclops
gaze legendary.

i ask nothing
other than good
memory to the
death.

i am blind
in the only eye
i have, your cyclops
gaze. legendary.

i ask nothing
other than good
memory to the
death.

i repeat
my staccato.

i meet your
rhythm with
vocal chords.