Each month a contemporary poet will present three poems and one personal essay in which food is consumed, passed over, or reckoned with. Nathalia is our poet for November, 2013.
Hollywood Pie
“Poor is the man whose pleasures depend on the permission of another.” -Madonna
My right hand is a disciplined creature applying rouge to the mouth.
In rainbow stripes of powdered sugar, I’m on a mission from God
like Divine’s hunger for talent. My plate is the canvas, sparking an impulse
to decorate my face. Vanity, a humble servant and gluttonous saint.
I dab a crimson block to the upper lip. Cherry stained domestic
in a velveteen anthem of nurturing, I cradle my binge.
Consuming in pleasure, a pure act of rebel love with profiteroles
bold streaks of cream cheese frosting smeared wide across my face.
Cake crumbs and lipstick, I am sanctified pop art.
This is show business: my name high in flashing lights on the marquee.
Come see the blushing pig in her ritual self portrait.
Nathalia Perozo received her MFA from The New School, where she served as Co-Chair of the Feminist Writer’s Organization. Her current project is a collection of poems inspired by Marilyn Monroe entitled Divinity. Nathalia lives and works in New York City.
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