Lupercalia's Wolf

She-wolf feeding Romulus and Remus ~ Wikicommons 

Love is wine stained
pouty lips speaking
pink words into ears
hungry for what could be.

There is so much heart shaped
agony in February the spirit 
prays rejection will drown
in Spring’s coming thaw.

Damn Lupercalia’s wolf
whose flesh nursed 
the foundation of a day where
love is a merchant peddling perception.

©Susie Clevenger 2016

For the history of Valentine's Day
you can read here ~ Lupercalia



Comments

Margaret said…
Wow - kind of like the Brother's Grim version of Valentines Day! Makes cupid seem a bit lame. ;)
February 9, 2016 at 6:24 PM
Brendan said…
This is really fine, Susie. Every stanza is surprising and rousing, whispering those wine-stained erotic truths. Oddly Apollo has a deep background in the wolf as does Pan and has origins as a protector of shepherds. Perhaps the reasonable voice, the clear song, that escapes the erotic pandemonium of Pan. But someone as you say did figure out how to market the myth, fit it into Aphrodite's bustier. Well don.
February 10, 2016 at 3:12 AM
kaykuala said…
the foundation of a day
where love is a merchant
peddling perception

Love makes that powerful presence where even perception can make a difference let alone physical contacts. Insightful write Susie!

Hank
February 10, 2016 at 4:42 AM
Marian said…
Peddling perception. That's exactly right.
February 10, 2016 at 5:20 AM
Kerry O'Connor said…
Great commentary on the whole Valentine's day racket. I think your allusions are top drawer.
February 10, 2016 at 11:01 AM
colleen said…
I love the line about rejection being drowned in Spring's thaw. And those pouty lips.
February 10, 2016 at 1:00 PM
brudberg said…
Oh yes... that peddling of heart-shaped lull... love how your weaved this... the poem Valentine by Carol Ann Duffy is something for you...
February 10, 2016 at 2:46 PM
Buddah Moskowitz said…
I like this as a bit of anti-valentine. Wonderful.
February 10, 2016 at 6:25 PM
Maude Lynn said…
This howls with truth! Love it.
February 10, 2016 at 7:48 PM
Carol Campbell said…
The racket mentality written of very well!
February 11, 2016 at 8:05 AM
Magaly Guerrero said…
Your last line sing what my heart feels about the current state of Valentine's Day.
February 11, 2016 at 11:10 AM
Outlawyer said…
Super well done, Susie-- makes me a bit heartsick. K.
February 11, 2016 at 5:12 PM
Bekkie Sanchez said…
Sorry so late I was out of town. I loved the "pink words" and the Valentine feel. Very good!
February 13, 2016 at 10:24 AM
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