"Principes Negros," by Rita Maria Martinez
Principes Negros
by Rita Maria Martinez
These red quivering emissaries
wrapped in transparent cellophane paper
are delivered to room 1350, the publications office.
This is the first time you send flowers.
I descend the escalators cradling them like Miss America.
A unibrowed stranger says congratulations
and I feel vulnerable traipsing around with
these garnet ambassadors in broad daylight.
While riding the Metro they rest on my lap,
stretched out and languishing as if desiring a lover.
The thorns sheared. The foliage peeps
out of its cellophane shell, fronds lightly brushing
my elbows. Approaching my car I feel that if I bend
the wrong way the buds will bob backwards and snap off.
I drive like there is a baby in a car seat beside me.
You have sent these messengers because I am afraid
of getting married. At home I undress
them, soak their fatigued stems in a clear vase.
The florist has inserted transparent cylinders
full of water at the base of each stem- liquid capsules preventing
your silent envoys from wilting and drooping prematurely.
From MiPOesias.
by Rita Maria Martinez
These red quivering emissaries
wrapped in transparent cellophane paper
are delivered to room 1350, the publications office.
This is the first time you send flowers.
I descend the escalators cradling them like Miss America.
A unibrowed stranger says congratulations
and I feel vulnerable traipsing around with
these garnet ambassadors in broad daylight.
While riding the Metro they rest on my lap,
stretched out and languishing as if desiring a lover.
The thorns sheared. The foliage peeps
out of its cellophane shell, fronds lightly brushing
my elbows. Approaching my car I feel that if I bend
the wrong way the buds will bob backwards and snap off.
I drive like there is a baby in a car seat beside me.
You have sent these messengers because I am afraid
of getting married. At home I undress
them, soak their fatigued stems in a clear vase.
The florist has inserted transparent cylinders
full of water at the base of each stem- liquid capsules preventing
your silent envoys from wilting and drooping prematurely.
From MiPOesias.