Eve's curse, by Laura Alaniz

Eve's curse

Desperate for his attention

Knowing it will drive him away

Jealous of a game - how lame

Choking self-esteem where I lay

Desperate for his affection

Knowing he will not stray

Missing him more than he does me

Pride controlling what I say

(2014)

To be genius means To not follow the rules You don’t have to I wish to be smart But not self-important

Why can’t I choose to be somewhere in the middle? Surrounded by extremes Measure everything With a grain of salt

I find richness In the mixture In what others disdain Young people lost Between two cultures

Yo te amo Tres palabras Que solucionen todo Para la mujer Tan complicada

A family trait Massage Is our vice No shame Take what

Manos fuertes No me sueltan De la cama Yo les digo Me tengo que ir

Steamroller Of life Passed by Feeling down Squished

Left on a leash Is no way to live He disappeared I like to imagine He’s running in a field

When I think of my mom I think of malt o meal muffins When I think of my dad Memories of a child Chasing us around the circle

I’ve known Deep inside All along My value That I matter

Does the world need Another book? Another poem? I add one more to the pile To be left alone

An idea In my head Falls flat On paper Read it

My grandfather told my father when he proposed to my mother on one condition

Turkey and dressing Loud and overwhelming Opinions and food fly Green bean casserole Too much laughter

My parents always say We’re proud of you I am too I got out of bed I used to get so much done