C is for Crimson

Had a fun time at the reading. Thanks to everybody who came, braving the Mariners game traffic and finding parking in Pioneer Square on a Friday night. Jared and Rebecca were awesome. I loved his poem about "disappeared" students. Amazing. And Rebecca gave a sneak preview of "Cadaver Dogs," full of wolves, dogs, raccoons, and other creatures. I had fun readings some pieces I haven't read in public before: "The Judas Tree" (a *Gay Jesus* poem) and "Ganymede to Zeus" (Greek myth morphed into May-December relationship poem, see below).

We went out after to Crimson. A new club downtown, that took the place of Larry's, a club that got closed down after several late-night shootings. It had a cool sophisticated look — blood-red walls (hmmmm), long narrow tables, soft lighting — and very deep heavy aggressive chest thrumming rap/hip-hop music playing. I think it was their opening weekend, and because of the new laws they were careful checking everybody's ID. Even Dean got carded (the first time in about half a century that has happened!). Great drinks, but really hard to have a conversation in a place like this. I wonder how you would ever make contact if you were single and looking to meet someone there? Just a wink and a look? Bust a break-dance move? Gawd I dunno.

*

GANYMEDE TO ZEUS

They say you're old enough
to be my father; that you hold me
here against my will.
But what could they know
of a shepherd boy's desires?
I'm more than happy to languish
forever in this temple, floating
among the marble and clouds, raptly
peeling grapes and sipping
from your mighty cup.
After all, you are a god, and I
your adored and adoring boy.
Remember the day you found
me? I was tending the spring flock.
Their lambing cries and the stench
rising from their damp fur
filled the morning air. Oh, Daddy,
I cried as your hot breath
grazed my neck and your eagle's
talons pierced my tender backside.
As the slumbering village disappeared
below, and I howled for sisters I'd never
see again, you whispered, Ganymede will be Zeus'
most perfect love. You pulled me closer
under wing, your warm belly firm
against my back, and I knew
you would fly me to heaven.


from What's Written on the Body