Memorization
I have a hard time memorizing poems. I’ve struggled with it for as long as I can remember. But I’ve been working REALLY hard for the past month, and I hope to recite the following poem in class on Monday. It might be my favorite poem. Will let you know how it goes
First Poem for You
by Kim Addonizio
I like to touch your tattoos in complete
darkness, when I can’t see them. I’m sure of
where they are, know by heart the neat
lines of lightning pulsing just above
your nipple, can find, as if by instinct, the blue
swirls of water on your shoulder where a serpent
twists, facing a dragon. When I pull you
to me, taking you until we’re spent
and quiet on the sheets, I love to kiss
the pictures in your skin. They’ll last until
you’re seared to ashes; whatever persists
or turns to pain between us, they will still
be there. Such permanence is terrifying.
So I touch them in the dark; but touch them, trying.
I am a poet, Pushcart Prize nominee, and 2011 graduate of Georgia College & State University’s MFA program. I am looking for a teaching position where I can help foster students’ creativity and critical thinking skills.
I have a particular poem (which I wrote) which I have read about 30 or 40 times, and spent two separate occasions trying to memorize. And I STILL can’t get it just right. It’s maybe not a talent we all have. haha.
P.S. This is the second really really good poem I have been turned on to from this blog. I think that if you were to ever edit a collection of poetry, I’d have to buy it.
P.P.S. I have been unable to access your site for some time. Dunno why, or if you are aware. But I just finally tried again, and all appears to be well.