IMAGE OF EARTH AND QUILL

Guest Poet Karen Burhans



SEASIDE SEDUCTION

The sun awakes behind my back
revealing...your morning dance,
your rhythmic pulsing as you swell
and break with misty elegance.

Your moaning roar intensifies
then pulls back unpredictably.
Teasing my senses, you draw me near'r
to witness close your victory.

When at your mouth I taste your breath,
the wetness of your salty kiss.
I feel and smell your moist embrace
anticipating total bliss.

Each thrust against the coral rocks
keeps building 'till I hesitate.
Afraid you'll win, I turn my back...
   ...SPLASH!
With drenching power...we mate.


February, 1999


Karen Burhans's Questions:

Is it clear that the poem is about an encounter with the ocean rather than an affair with another person at the ocean? 

Does the sensual language work for conveying a passion for life or does it just come across as a cheap pornographic poem? 

Also, I'm very new to poetry and would appreciate any technical advice anyone has to offer. 

Thanks!



Correspond with Karen Burhans at
burhans@tkb.att.ne.jp
with your ideas about this poem.




GOOD MORNING COFFEE

Once again,
the familiar routine
of our circadian sunrise trysts
transforms the cocoon of my
nocturnal slumber into 
passionate wings of
rousing expectation.
With the rim of your vessel
caressing my lips, I
inhale and become
intoxicated by your smell.
Almost tasting you, I
exhale my anticipation, my
breath penetrating your surface,
releasing steam.  I 
feel you, first your
sultry mist across my face, then
your hot liquid sliding down
my tongue.
I swallow.
This moment complete,
I am awakened.


February, 1999


Karen Burhans's Questions:

My questions are similar to the last one.  Does the sensual language work for conveying a passion for life or does it just come across as a cheap pornographic poem? 

I chose my particular pattern of line breaks for emphasis and momentum---do they work? 

I also welcome any other technical advice. 

Thanks!


Correspond with Karen Burhans at
burhans@tkb.att.ne.jp
with your ideas about this poem.



The Albany Poetry Workshop