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​​​The Fissured Tongue Series 

The Invention

Anna Marie Ray

Picture
Give her a whirl; make the siren sing.
            The prompt, echoing in my head
as she draws like Betty, so familiar
            with the female form
Yet with some reluctance
            a hesitance to
                          give in
to the urges
               that dare to
                              Overwhelm.

Lights reflecting off metal structures,
              blurred by each revolution of passengers
on their own questionable journeys.
              But to them I can pay no mind.
My eyes I cannot tear away
              from chestnut bob,
miniature backpack,
              wonders that it holds,
thrifted, sporty romper,
              a challenge.
                            A touch
on the arm
              as a hall of mirrors
              claims the last sense
                                         Of reality.

Placards that conflict
                                         Stop. Go. Wait.
               While tongues begin
                              work like juicers
                                           behind a bar
                              Efficient
Providing pleasure, flavor,
              textures brought
                             to the mouth, unfiltered,
              bypassing the accompanying
glass filled with bubbles.

Spilling over into puddles
               of nectar, sweet
                             but sharp with acidity
the combinations endless and gratifying
             in ways more sustaining
                                                        than even hydration.

Not to be let off so easily,
                                          insatiable,     she pursues.
              the thrill, ultimate,
                            Devastating,
              yet empowering in its
dynamic pull.
              This new journey
                             exposed together
embracing the possibilities
                             a newfound lack of         romanticism
                                         Betrayed only by intimacy.
About the Author

Anna Marie Ray (she/her) is a queer, polyamorous poet and musician with a background in musical theatre performance. Having lived in New York City for a decade, Anna Marie has pursued constantly evolving dreams which inform her work. These range from mixology to politics, with a constant focus on language justice and accessibility. Currently working for an Ambassador to the United Nations, Anna Marie is passionate about global issues as well as local happenings. Her debut poetry collection is in progress, featuring erotic and engaging pieces exploring relationships that challenge tradition.

About the Work

"The Invention is dedicated to artist and activist Betty Dodson. The piece was inspired by a unique experience of her art with a date who helped to develop who I am as both a creator and a partner. Those things are inseparable in my forthcoming collection, but certainly in this particular poem, drawing on my loves of New York, music, women, and life."

About the Author's Process

"Writing through 2022-2023 has been such a privilege for me as a creative. Having returned to poetry during the pandemic, I dedicated the past year to composing my debut collection, working closely with Alice James Award-winning poet Rosebud Ben-Oni and a wonderful cohort. Additionally, music has always played an integral role to my art in all forms, but it has truly carried my work through this period of new and unexpected circumstances."
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