the curtain that I peer through is Ivory
not white-
so when your legs tremble
in your back’s lonely slouch,
I see in them
the earthiness of light brown. And you are
a little biege feather
quivering in anticipation of the morning breeze.
And this
and this
is more soothing
than the truth.
“Through the Window” by Angie Hoover-Hillhouse
Artwork: The Velvet Darkness of his Mind by Morgan Kendall
Would I have control over you
even if I could?
For perhaps, it is your challenge that poses me
in red robes
And makes me stare in such a smoldering,
calculating
manner.
“Untitled” by Vanessa Cate
Artwork: Severe Art by Ruben Ireland & Ddm by Hugo Barros
In my dream, you were naked–
I think.
–Your breasts and lips were drenched
in the scent of me and
I was
all over you.
At first it made you feel yellow
and new-
like a champagne flower
bubbling in the sunshine
— and then you were angry at me
for reflecting all the mean holes
in your prettyheart
“Prettyheart” by Angie Hoover-Hillhouse
Artwork: Flora & Fauna by Jenn Mann
that touch of yours is as
dangerous as
I’d expected.
— timid hands begging to be held,
stroked,
loved
in a lightless room where
no one
can hear our thoughts and
my weakness is concealed.
And I know that when I do
press your gentle palm against my own for the first time
I will feel too much to think at all.
about infidelity-
about identity-
about selfishness–
and I will have to swallow
that dripping desire
that I try to
ignore
“Restraint” by Angie Hoover-Hillhouse
Artwork: Self-reflection by Jenn Mann & Flux by Sarah Cannon
A green eye nestled between faceless,
slate
stones
sits-
as lonely as a mountain.
Beaten, stained,
and abused
by the wandering wind,
it
crumbles into sand
that rests
beneath the heaviness of the ocean.
I am a rock.
“Along the Ocean Floor” by Angie Hoover-Hillhouse
Artwork: Thief of the Sun by Tijani Djindjic
there are different ways to concoct a love.
Recipes (Mix one or more, and let simmer – longer for more flavor):
– A brief encounter with a person of beauty, whom you cannot have.
– A friendship that roots like oak, bearing understanding and acceptance.
– Exceptional physical chemistry which dares to maintain despite all else, and which excites curiosity.
– Respect that is reciprocated.
– A requited longing.
– Laughter that grows, not diminishes.
– Mutual goals and complimentary talents, resulting in a smart partnership.
– An adhering to a set of ideals which render love and commitment the only option.
– A drug you find in each other.
– Gratitude so deep you would give all of yourself to repay, but it isn’t enough.
– Being overpowered – for once – and liking it.
– A taste for something you cannot get elsewhere
“Maybe, like alchemy” by Vanessa Cate
Artwork: htrspltn by Filmout
What is it about
fair blonde hair
that makes me feel less nervous?
Whether it be warm and gooey
like honey
or pale
and soft like
lemonfeathers,
it always baths my mind in
calm.
So-
just before
the daylight dies
–just before the dawn of dreams
I wish for a woman
with locks of light
to make my night as warm as
tea.
” I wish for a Woman” by Angie Hoover-Hillhouse
Artwork: Emotional Ups and Downs & Fogpak #3 by Filmout
I kiss the air for she is me.
In the darkness there’s a body there.
Sultry night on top of me.
I hold myself — I kiss the air.
My body pale make love to thee.
You blind me with black widow hair.
You blind my eyes — I cannot see.
I hold myself and kiss the air.
You seduce with trickery.
You trick me with your shadow snare.
I bare my soul for you to see —
Alas that there is no one there.
“Untitled” by Vanessa Cate
Artwork by Hugo Barros, Louis Riley, and Random Dan; click on photos for more information
The Show Tell Project 