Tupelo 12/30: Little Black Dress

Dear Reader,

I am so sad and scared and angry at my America. Language/poetry will not stop a mass murderer from opening fire at a gay nightclub. 

Last night, I was at Asbury's Stone Pony at a Punk Rock Festival. My husband was revisiting the bands of his youth, and I was happy to escort him. I have always been the snack-smuggling, water-drinking, pack-my-own-toilet-paper, help-the-really-drunk-girl to some air concert attendee, but at 35, no one chides me for this behavior. It's expected. 

However, despite my careful planning and watchful eye, I love seeing people caught up in the bliss of a moment, how the opening chords of a favorite song or a particular riff ignites something in the blood. Of course, not everyone is perfectly behaved at a punk rock festival or at a dance club, but no one should have to worry about someone lighting up the place with an AR-15. 

And this terrible tragedy is one more in what feels like a really sad time in America. 

Today's poem is written in response to my friend

Sue Koiro's request to write a poem with the title "Little Black Dress." I've been thinking a lot about the Stanford rape victim and how her rapist's future and well-being have been considered, despite the crime and conviction, and without any consideration of the victim's future and well-being.

This poem is wrestling with that grief and anger and hoping for some kind of justice and healing. 

Here is an excerpt of "Little Black Dress" (read the full poem on Tupelo Press' 30/30 blog):

"...Instead of a sword through

his heart, I want him to eat the evidence
with his hands, a Coney Island dress eating
contest, stuffing the dry strips of cloth

in his mouth, or dipping them in lemonade,
which turns pink or brown from whatever’s 

trapped in the fibers."
Dear Reader, where is the balm for these terrible hurts? I wish I knew. Sending out love tonight. 

If you would like to title one of my poems, select five words for a poem, give me a potential theme/topic, offer a formal challenge, or receive a chapbook at the end of this project, please see my first posting for incentive amounts and make your way to the Tupelo Press donation page. Be sure to select my name from the scroll down tab titled "Is this donation in honor of a 30/30 poet?" 

Yours in poetry,

Emari