In a swarm of superheroes,
my swollen lips and tar face
invite aiming, shriveled fingers from
Catholic nuns who smirk
as they view my conversion.
Crisp leaves cling to my darkened hands
and the wind curses my display
while we parade around the school grounds
in our disguised march.
Surrounded by pupils
peeking though plastic masks,
my stuffed apron and kerchief center me.
As the drumming laughter expands,
my heart is beaten,
a boxer in his losing round.
I throw my whisk and batter
in the spongy field and snivel home.
My mother frowns as I smear
her idea from my face
while she cuts empty eyes
through an old white sheet.
JD Duff grew up in the suburbs of New York City. She has a Master of Arts in Writing and a Master of Arts in Teaching English Education from Manhattanville College. Her undergraduate degree is in Africana Studies from Binghamton University. JD taught college level writing for over seven years; helping students reach their goals of becoming proficient writers is one of her passions. She is currently in the process of starting a writing company, which will offer both academic and creative workshops. JD now splits her time between South Carolina and Pennsylvania.
Categories: Poetry
Tags: e-zine, ezine, hyperbole, JD Duff, longing, melancholy, melancholy hyperbole, new, poem, poet, poetry, poets, submit, The Deconstruction of Aunt Jemima, writing
Melancholy Hyperbole 