Bella Bella

A one-man show’s a tour de force
That many do avoid
Believing it would not be what
They’d likely have enjoyed.

Yet when performed and written
By one Harvey Fierstein,
Those doubters may discover
It’s the best they’ve ever seen.

His “Bella Bella” channels
Someone all New Yorkers knew – 
A female politician
And a fighter through and through.

For Bella Abzug spoke her mind
And all the bureaucrats
Were forced to listen and take note
Of her amazing hats.

Though Harvey doesn’t dress in drag,
With us he does engage
So perfectly that we’re convinced
It’s Bella on the stage.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
October 19, 2019 at 1:23 PM
I don't know of this person but your depiction of him(her) lets us understand easily how wonderful this person is.
Johnson Avatar
October 17, 2019 at 8:43 PM
Wow, the rhymes just flowed so smoothly in this one ilene. Such a joy to read a well oiled printing press. And you conveyed the subject matter to a T. <3 :)
Anish Avatar
October 17, 2019 at 5:31 PM
Nice tribute to him and her! I remember Bellla A - a woman who spoke her mind! Wonder what she would say today - plenty I am sure! Peace & Love Matthew Anish
Borke Avatar
October 16, 2019 at 7:57 PM
A forgotten name from my youth, once coming out of my ears. I didn’t take an interest then, but now I looked her up. Seems she made a dent. Your poems eventually should make a mark as an entertaining diary of an era.
Canerdy Avatar
October 16, 2019 at 5:19 PM
Great, descriptive poem, Ilene! Janice
Hinshaw Avatar
October 16, 2019 at 4:57 PM
Great write, Ilene. I remember Bella as being very spunky and she always wore outrageous hats! I also learned in reading a book about a dog named Bella, that Bella means beautiful in Italian. Glad you enjoyed Halloween Hoopla and like you I make sure I set aside the good stuff when I hand out treats.
Green Avatar
October 16, 2019 at 4:28 PM
Really nicely done Ilene. I am only slightly familiar with Bella Abzug but I am sure the show is wonderful.
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