Picaroon Poetry - Issue #2 - May 2016
Welcome to our second issue of Picaroon Poetry, where we have sideshows and mussels, taxidermy, the many facets of aging, ancient history and current political commentary (albeit in an eerie, off-kilter setting). Featuring work by Mark J. Mitchell, Angela Croft, Stephen Bone, Kiley Creekmore, Beth McDonough, Demi Cybulski, Kymm Coveney, Kate Hodges, Hilary Hares, Finola Scott, Carol Gloor, Charles W. Brice, AE Stueve, Stephen Daniels, Jovan Jakic, Pru Kitching, Mab Jones, Mary Imo-Stike, Holly Magill, Marilyn Francis, Joanne Key, Faye Boland, Laurie Kolp, Bethany Rivers, and Broc Riblet.
Welcome to our second issue of Picaroon Poetry, where we have sideshows and mussels, taxidermy, the many facets of aging, ancient history and current political commentary (albeit in an eerie, off-kilter setting).
Featuring work by Mark J. Mitchell, Angela Croft, Stephen Bone, Kiley Creekmore, Beth McDonough, Demi Cybulski, Kymm Coveney, Kate Hodges, Hilary Hares, Finola Scott, Carol Gloor, Charles W. Brice, AE Stueve, Stephen Daniels, Jovan Jakic, Pru Kitching, Mab Jones, Mary Imo-Stike, Holly Magill, Marilyn Francis, Joanne Key, Faye Boland, Laurie Kolp, Bethany Rivers, and Broc Riblet.
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Mussel Memory<br />
Kate Hodges<br />
“Making a romantic dinner for two? What should I serve with it?<br />
Tips?”<br />
Epicurifoodnetwhiteorred.org message board<br />
21 replies. Contrary food wars come to a Boil<br />
“I brought a bottle of red and a bottle of white…”<br />
We rustle up a cork screw from the junk jar-so glad I cleaned it<br />
right before you came.<br />
Raise the cork and throw away<br />
mussels that refuse to open.<br />
Stubborn shut. Can you help?<br />
“Can’t wait to try them.”<br />
We swap plates and laughter<br />
as they slip out of your hands.<br />
Anticipation.<br />
“Is it sauce or gravy” you ask<br />
and gently pry the shells apart.<br />
“Tell me the best part of your day...”<br />
But you say nothing and stare off.<br />
“It’s good luck to find a few closed<br />
off.” You have to work a little harder<br />
to get the pearl inside.”<br />
“No, that’s oysters.”<br />
“No, that’s you.”<br />
“Anyway, when you finally separate the shells<br />
you’re supposed to make a wish<br />
and have a taste.”<br />
He holds one up for me to try.<br />
“Close your eyes. Make a wish.<br />
And put the mussel where your mouth is.”
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