Dropping Ashes


They say you only live once,
so light me a cigarette and
let me swing without a net.

Lions and tigers and bare,
I’ll show enough leg and suggestion
to keep the boys in their seats.

I’m the queen of three rings
earning third billing,
but it’s a man’s world
in and outside of canvas.

I’m just dropping ashes.

©Susie Clevenger, 2015

Comments

Margaret said…
keeping the boys in their seats :)
hedgewitch said…
This is so effective in its irony, Susie--your visuals are intense and alive--and the last line says it all--no matter how accomplished or beautiful, in the end, just a toy, burning down with every puff on that smoke.
brudberg said…
Dropping ashes on the seated boys I hope :-)
Helen said…
Love, love, love.
Carol Campbell said…
She shows sass in the picture and you did too in your poem! Perfect!
Angie said…
This just makes me clap all the more uproariously for the girl!
Maude Lynn said…
That second stanza . . . I sure wish that I had written that. The whole piece is sharp as a knife.
Kerry O'Connor said…
This narrative reminds me so much of my grandmother!
Glenn Buttkus said…
OK, you nailed her attitude, posture, angst & performance parameters, getting in some early feminism digs, mild malaise, & a smattering of why sex sells.
Fireblossom said…
You've captured her expression in words.
Outlawyer said…
You are absolutely accurate here--agh. Thanks, Susie. k.
grapeling said…
boys are stupid. i speak from experience ~
kaykuala said…
Obviously she likes her job even though she had to compete with men colleagues.. She knows the male audience like her. Great lines Susie!

Hank
Excellent - love the tired feeling of her sentiment.