Jul
03
2013
Poem of the Day: Canary by Rita Dove
Canary
By Rita Dove
for Michael S. Harper
Billie Holiday’s burned voice
had as many shadows as lights,
a mournful candelabra against a sleek piano,
the gardenia her signature under that ruined face.
(Now you’re cooking, drummer to bass,
magic spoon, magic needle.
Take all day if you have to
with your mirror and your bracelet of song.)
Fact is, the invention of women under siege
has been to sharpen love in the service of myth.
If you can’t be free, be a mystery.
Source: Rita Dove, “Canary” from Grace Notes. Copyright © 1989 by Rita Dove.
Uncategorized | prison culture | 03 July 2013 |
