this arse –(still so terrified of pears)
(bottom too dreary, backside reserved for aphrodite)
born of the mother: pears reclining on daybeds on drowsy
veranda’s in the temple of the venus of wilendorf-
i rub the years from her worn hips i know
each curve and vein inking deltas over her arse
this arse was branded – shame seared onto sinless
flesh: father god’s belt wielding welts of love’s bidding
yaweh demands a sacrificial lamb
magazines warmongering against this arse cast into
vanity’s bonfire – terror has taken
this arse prisoner of war (this arse clenches tension)
frozen; this arse only appears in the mirror
mirror on the wall – a smiling assassin
leering “will this arse fit into irons?”
(still so terrified of pears)
this arse – stuffed into canvass stitching
pinching soft ovaries
this arse given to a daughter
who shakes that booty like its black
backing it up artfully against
a world, that takes her measure by it
you ring the bells of this arse in wild adoration
like a norman lindsay painting in the throes of spring-
i want to worship this arse
as you do
[Editor’s Note: The word “arse” is equivalent to “ass” in the American English.]
(Meet Mago Contributor) Kerryn Coombs-Valeontis.