This page is for the poetry of d. marshall.
As HEART'S VOICE managing editor and as a contributing poet, d. marshall attempts to address the subliminal/subconscious oppression of girl genders by incorporating genderdriven spellings.
THE BALANCE
Four years of excellence in the U.S. Army but never got a tattoo.
Tried to commit suicide but never shaved my head.
Married a womyn but never gave birth.
Rode a motercycle to Mexico but never parachuted or bungee-jumped.
Helped raise a really cool kid but never ran for public office.
The army didn't like all that I could be
Suicide didn't win when this future beat it to the punch me out.
The womyn couldn't save me when I misplaced love.
The motorcycle only emphasized my vulnerability.
The child made me a god.
The only tattoo I want is a "No Code" across my chest,
and so far, no pms has driven me to shave my vainest asset.
Pregnancy/doing birth was never anticipated or desired,
like parachuting, bungee-jumping and love, too risky and painful.
Public office would mean relinquishing my godhood,
and I'm not ready to be mortal yet.
ONE I COULD CONSIDER READING
my dearest d.,
trying to write a love letter is the hardest thing I've tried
since the horse threw me and I was forced
to get back on the irate beast -- not to say you're a beast, my love
but the fear of your rejection sends the same cold vacuum
down my spine, feeling a need for morphine
knowing a spinal tap is underway -- but know,
for your patience and understanding of my imperfections
and should any reply you send resound with the smallest hint
of a confirmation you may feel friendly toward my humble self,
my devotion for your whole and complete life will be
loudly prominent as my heart beats to burst. I will remain
your faithful constant awaiting your response.
With Tenderness
of course it would be unsigned,
and the courier paid not to tell.
MESSED UP
bathroom mirror pokadots
kitchen floor drips and drops
door edges fingertip brown
chair legs jelly dribbled down
toilet misses
dirty dishes
sloshed coffee, floating tissues
squirting tomato seeds, potato juices
You know the history and really
intend to clean instantly, yet
seeing someone else's mess
without knowing its history
you think - what a slob
they should clean up immediately
like you meant to, but didn't
page two
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