The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide

Eyes Down Back Hunched Head Down

3 x 10,
Contortion grows and pops my veins,
A reflection, a pant, a look to the ground,
Ugly, undeniable, ugly.

Move up and away,
Laughter, gloating, mocking, appropriate,
Laughter.
Rings through my head.

Eyes meet, more contortions forced,
My chest is bigger than before,
My back still scarred though.
He doesn’t look, she doesn’t smile.

I pop another vein,
And get all red in the face,
Did she smile?
Did he look?

My shirt hangs odd,
My hair ruffled, thin at the top,
Nose, straight, too big
Skin, spotty, ripped, embarrassed.

 Head down, chest out,
Please don’t prove my confidence.
Into the steam, throw the towel round,
Quick.

Dress slowly, calm, fortified.
Exit, checking hair in glass.
Through the door, welcomed by wind.
Stones, hurt through my shoes.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Breidenthal Avatar
April 9, 2012 at 4:40 PM
Reminded me of Quasimodo from the Hunchback of Notre Dame. This was awesome--I love how you structured too. Always, Laura
Grundy Avatar
April 15, 2012 at 5:24 PM
Thank you for your very kind comment. I like your Quasimodo comparison too. I think there might be a sub-conscious allusion to him on my part.
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The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
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