Another Match On The Bonfire

Painting by Gerda Wegener


Oh screw the brimstoners who
cry for coals to burn my ass!
I’ve been straddling hell
on a paintbrush for so long
another match is only
a marshmallow on the bonfire.

Delicate sensibilities clamor
about offenses because their
closets are crowded with “SinS”
that don’t play well with Leviticus.

How tiring it is to hide in plain sight
while unconditional love drowns
in a collection plate earmarked charitable.

Oil speaks louder than repression so
I fill each canvas with brushstrokes
to carry truth to hungry eyes.

Although the long arms of judgment
try to push me a little closer to the fire
I will be me without apology until
hearts tire of living in ice houses
and welcome the thaw of Spring.

©Susie Clevenger 2015




Fireblossom over at Real Toads prompted us to write our poetry from the inspiration of artist Gerda Wegener whose story is currently being told by the movie, The Danish Girl. It is a fascinating story about living the life your soul speaks. Fireblossom Friday ~ The Art of Gerda Wegener

Comments

Maude Lynn said…
Standing and applauding! Powerful work without apology. I love it.
Hannah said…
Agreeing with the Zen Mama...powerful indeed!
Fireblossom said…
"until hearts tire of living in ice houses" Slam bang WOW. Testify, girl, testify!
Outlawyer said…
Oil does speak louder than repression but maybe with slower cadences-- wonderfully rousing poem, Susie. Thanks. K.
Kerry O'Connor said…
Such a strong voice for liberation of the individual! I love it.
hedgewitch said…
'How tiring it is to hide in plain sight..' Susie you really have captured so much in this one--hypocrisy, cruelty, the burning of one's gift--and the terrible sadness of *needing* to hide that fights always with the dangerous need to be oneself. Just excellent.
Anonymous said…
Great opening lines.
Anonymous said…
Amen and ahem! It's just so sad that the film is a century too late to help them. Thanks for keeping the fire burning.
Sherry Blue Sky said…
"Straddling hell on a paintbrush" is a breathtaking line. I especially love the hearts tiring of living in ice houses, and thawing towards spring.
Sara McNulty said…
Empowering, with a sharp last line. Love it!