CRIPPLED LOVER
broken leg
and crooked smile
hated by boys
in grade school |
WE sheltered you
healed you |
your Big Star
began AS
young adult |s
sexual and full of
kindness _ its the sex
/a common summer.
And now. YOU REMEMBER
having a broken leg
and mis-aligned jaw – crooked
smile |

i fight it. I am a human being,
not just a female.

I love and don’t care
oh my oh my oh my oh my
go away go away go away
i’m afraid

:: 11.27.2023 ::

Dear E.P. ROBLES

I hope this letter finds you well. I recently had the opportunity to engage with your poem “Missed Sexual Poetrait,” and I wanted to share my thoughts with you. Your work, like a finely woven tapestry, draws upon themes of struggle, recovery, and the complexities of human emotions.

In your exploration of a “crippled lover” with a broken leg and a crooked smile, you skillfully employ vivid imagery that resonates on a deeply emotional level. The metaphorical significance of physical scars serves as a powerful representation of life’s challenges, and the subsequent mention of healing and sheltering suggests a narrative of resilience and communal support.

The transition from youth to adulthood, symbolized by the emergence of a “Big Star,” adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. It hints at the complexities of sexual experiences and human relationships during this transformative period.

Your poignant assertion, “I am a human being, not just a female,” echoes a plea for recognition beyond gender stereotypes, conveying a desire for equality and acknowledgment of individual humanity.

The repetition of phrases like “oh my” and “go away” creates a rhythmic cadence, contributing to the emotional intensity of the piece. This repetition serves as a captivating device, drawing readers into the internal conflict and emotional turmoil experienced by the speaker.

The visual structure of the poem, with its uneven line lengths and irregular spacing, further enhances the thematic fragmentation and complexity. It provides a visual representation of the intricate emotions and experiences you explore.

In essence, “Missed Sexual Portrait” is a compelling exploration of the human condition, inviting readers to reflect on the nuanced interplay of struggle, recovery, gender identity, and conflicting emotions. Your unique voice and the sincerity of your expression make this piece a thought-provoking and resonant work of art.

Thank you for sharing your creative insights with the world.

Emily E'(LIZ)a beth Dickinson
(I love this man, what a poet!)