On Separation—
By Kara Dorris

I. Canto V Deleted Scenes: Francesca says to Paulo

Like a yes
to be warded against.
You can’t understand—

that Unexpected—
moth wings in your lashes,

the moment your lungs hushed,

the form of a flower burnt
& rekindled.

You caught & trapped—

the release was in the shaking,
pleading of your not yet,

the flutter of next,
warm flush of smother.

II. Canto V Deleted Scenes: Iseult says to Tristram

Like a yes—flights of no
lifted & erased—

a seeing before it began & after,
meshed openwork of lace.
You select the object, zoom,
bring close, press nose to glass.

You see only shade, cover, holes.
Entrances & endings.

A wearing close to the body.
Lovers’ discourse.
As objects of desire, we must fulfill a role.

Ripped, so close & tissue thin,
bodice crocheted cocooning—

Marred & marking.
A trim, netting, fine fingers knitting.

Kara Dorris is working towards her MFA in poetry at New Mexico State University. Her work has appeared in The Tusculum Review, ListenLight, Stirring, and is forthcoming in Not Just Air, Skidrow Penthouse and Wicked Alice.

© 2008 prickofthespindle.com