Saint Julian Press Poet

Melissa Studdard - Writer - Poet - English Professor - Editor

 

WE ARE THE UNIVERSE

 

--inspired by the Eric Anfinson painting,

The Bravest Woman

 

 

Watching your mouth as you eat I think

perhaps an apple is the universe and your body

is an orchard full of trees. I’ve seen the way your leaves

cling to the ground in fall, and I noticed then

that your voice sounded soft, like feathered, drifting things

coming finally to rest. Note:

I was the core in your pink flesh. You

were hungry birds

and foxes walking though the miles of me.

You climbed, dug your nails in my bark, yanked

something loose. Don’t tell me what it is.

Just keep it close.

Because I planted these rows

and rows of myself for you--

so I could lick the juice from your lips,

so I could remember

how round and hot

the promise of seed. If I could find

that orchard right now, I’d run all through the rows

of you. I’d stand in the center and twirl 

until, dizzy, I fell. I’d climb high and shake

until the only thing left in you was longing,

and you’d write a poem for me. You’d say:

Your mouth is the universe. Your desire

is an orchard full of trees.

 

 

I Ate the Cosmos for Breakfast 

​by Melissa Studdard

Poems from Melissa Studdard's first poetry collection published by Saint Julian Press.

Press Release


Cover Art: The Bravest Woman Size, 40 x 30
Oil On Canvas by Eric Anfinson. Used by gracious permission of the artist.
www .ericanfinson.com

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Watch: Poetry Comes to Life in an Exclusive 'I Ate the Cosmos for Breakfast' Short Film from Melissa Studdard’s first book of poetry, published by Saint Julian Press.

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