Literary Orphans

Fallout Shelters
by Peter Marra

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& more…no more…& more…

 

It’s scattered across the front lawn,

the stained dreams never spoken about

& in the parish church’s decayed parking lot –

that place where they always have the huge bazaar with a casino,

several stalls, a portable Ferris Wheel & tilt-a-whirl.

 

In the balmy grey atmosphere of summer,

he stands in the concrete driveway,

clutching his attempt at oblivion

close to his heart & always close to her mind.

 

It’s scattered across the street

 

July Fourth sulphur vapor clings to his image of her.

she is barely seen in outline

as a Siren wrapped in leather & blood,

while the shrill noises of the chaste faces

massage his body into pain.

 

It’s stretched to the breaking point

 

Two figures collapsed into one dimension

 

clutching

burning

clutching

 

Sounds of fitful expressions of want without vocals,

the surrounding shadows delineated the decision.

(sheer skin wrapped & put away)

the solar cycles have waken up & kissed,

to wash away his sins with electric eyes.

a dead samba on the side streets

 

(fireworks above the ocean hanging slowly

dirty pictures clutched in her hand as she lay

sun tanning in the night breeze)

 

“I like dirty photos…sing to me…,” her voice slowly whispered

“take me baby…”

 

Burning Eucharists in her eyes

just like it was at the crucifixion in Storyville, LA. In 1917

& more…no more…& more…

 

(the flying insects of her dreams that crawl on my dreams

gently sucking tender caresses

a lash of many tongues

her eyelashes were wet with yesterday’s promise)

 

The queasiness of the everyday

presents itself as Kodachrome:

a slight chill

a slight thrill

a washed out palette.

 

(full blown rags of skin to accuse us frequently

observing the pregnant  transit of mars

between our legs

deep into her)

 

Sunspot observations before

a shadow burns black

 

She breathes gently:

“i miss you”

O Typekey Divider

Peter’s earliest recollection of the writing process is, as a 1st grader, constructing a children’s book with illustrations. The only memory he has of this project is a page that contained a crayon drawing of an airplane, caught in a storm. The caption read: “The people are on a plane. It is going to crash. They are very scared.” His parents were always disturbed by that 1st book and particularly by his love for writing.

His poems explore alienation, addiction, love, the havoc that secrets can wreak and obsessions. He has been published in many online and print publications, including Literary Orphans, Danse Macabre, Maintenant 4 & 5, Caper Literary Journal, and Why Vandalism?, as well as an interview in Yes, Poetry. A record of his published work may be found at http://www.angelferox.com. Peter’s e-chapbook, Sins of the Go-Go Girls is published by Why Vandalism? Press and is available as a free download at Why Vandalism: Sins of the Go-Go Girls (Four Scenes) by Peter Marra

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