the kettle's screaming

the kettle's screaming

Interpretation of The Honey Bear by Eileen Myles

i can hear the agonizing nectar of poppy in her voice
[just like you]
its' bittersweet affliction more succulent than the gardenia that laced her hair

no, no thank you
i don't want your too sweet brew
you're scratching at your arms just like her

me, i claw at my mind waiting for mi brujita
she calls me her papi

her and i have echoed moments bought in cellophane and over rocks
at the Lenox Lounge and the Apollo

same Harlem haunts where trellises of Ivy scaled the walls at the hands of a Duke

you're searching that mirror hoping the lie stays concealed
telling yourself that you're not addicted
that you're not owned

but you are

same as them

same as me

they sang to the darkness
waiting for the waves of love to come lapping over the flood lights

you have only the ripples of your tub
it's waters warmed by the same kettle you make tea in

i have this keypad
i can see my hazed reflection just the same
waiting for someone
anyone
to click

"like this?"

when they do
it's never enough
but you already know that

preparing to drown in that tub
with your tea
just like I'll drown in her

let's hope they play Coltrane or Parker next
so we can both sip some more

Written for the - Art of Interpretation - challenge hosted by Vee

http://deepundergroundpoetry.com/forum/competitions/read/7145/