Two Poems by Nyla Matuk

Nyla Matuk September 15, 2011 Lust” and “Mating Ritual.”

Lust

The remarkable undulating hunt-lights of Japanese sting-jellies,
whose beige vein-membranes glimmer as the patina
of a vampire’s salve on a bee-stung labial lip

behave such as vague swimmers—zombie-safes—
sluggish from a century of patience, and the dream of satiety.
Casting wants character-actors at a cocktail lounge.

These horny chandeliers, snail-antennae reeling in champagne,
move forward like sharks after a foaming nutritional purse,
cinéma vérité, Imagination’s picture show.

How deep is the ocean? Where does the corner
of my mind meet the false dilemma? Oily canister,
stormlight flicker! I don’t trust you; then, I …

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Tenth Anniversary: Spring

ISSUE 43 Tenth Anniversary: Spring 2012

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