Grateful acknowledgment is made to The Little Balkans Review (KS) which first published this poem.

from the collection MULTIPLE ABRASIONS
 

From the shadows of the balcony
My eyes flutter over pink arias—
A huge prawn stands on her fantail
And dances in a plate of sea-moss
Her pincers click and glitter
As I move the white spotlight
Slowly up her moist thigh
My backstage entrée
My full course, dessert, and demitasse
I have always loved the fruits of the sea.

After the curtain the tourists are hiding
Under awnings of souvenir shops—
When it rains the Seine turns green
The air is a gentle steam
Coaxing me tender and delicious
I throw myself into the river.
 
 
 

                                                                                                            Copyright © 2000 by R Bartkowech