The Fissured Tongue Series
The Invention
Anna Marie Ray
"Femmes au bain" by Suzanne Valadon; soft-ground etching; 1893; open source from the National Gallery of Art
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.
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."
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."
