how to seduce a poet
if the poet is male—
show up wearing nothing
except a dust cover
slick and colourful
let it drop to the floor
flutter a page or two
as though eyelashes
were kissing his fingertips
exhale the scent
of printer's ink
and leather binding
intoxicate him
but not too much
or too soon
once you have his attention
(and trust me, you do)
invite him to open the cover
run his hand down
the title page
and done - he is yours
completely. he will
be awake all night
~
if the poet is female—
try showing up in softback
nothing to prove
no explanations
turn so she can read
the rear jacket testimonials
see what makes you
worth perusing
worth pursuing
quote, if you will
an intimate poem
pull something from millay
hinting that you'll remember
every kiss, even if edna
did not, that you know
nothing of forgetting
midnight cries
lay her hand gently
on the abstract cover
art that speaks
of mystery
of possibility
draw her in with
the first verse
unassuming, unafraid
be vulnerable, be brave
knowing that her eyes
will open wide
at the words tattooed
along your spine
slip her a folded note
that says 'i left a review...'
her resistance is gone
~
for either—
recite the final verse
of your latest poem
without explanation
without apology
for what came before
leave what comes after
to imagination
Jim Lewis (Pen name: j.lewis) is an internationally published poet, musician, nurse
practitioner, and Editor of Verse-Virtual, an online journal and community.
When he is not otherwise occupied, he is often on a kayak, exploring and
photographing the waterways near his home in California. He has three full
length collections and several chapbooks to his credit. www.jlewisweb.com/books.asp
“a clear day in october”
(poems and photos) is available directly from me.
“do you hear it?” (second
collection of poetry) is available on Amazon.
“leave a light on” (third
collection of poetry) is available on Amazon
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