KWANSABA: MICKEY MANTLE
With his “aw-shucks” good looks. Face
imitating stone. In that molded appearance, that
girls know well. For me to say
that face, on trading cards of my
youth, still burns, in my loins would
be an understatement. Gum sealed in original
plastic — brittle slabs that, never lost its flavor.
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KWANSABA: Donald McKayle
Pregnant pause as limbs wrap against wind.
Pregnant pause again & again. Words lose
all meaning, once the dance begins. Watch
as scissor opens. Listen. Outstretched arms with
clutched fist form jackhammer. Lean in close.
See his feet at ten and two.
Perched forward position & loudest when still.
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KWANSABA: RITA HAYWORTH (World War II Pin-Up Girl)
Sculpting a shadow above breasts. Hearts lie
in wait. Patiently. As a rising star,
broke away from midnight. Look. Eyeballs magnified.
Drooling over, silky white nightgown, trimmed with
black lace. Low-cut top. She’s smiling.
He imagines she’s his. Black silhouette on
her back reflects, his girl back home.
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Kenny Fame is a African-American poet who was born in Paterson, New Jersey.
He currently divides his time between living & working in both London UK & NYC.
He was a recent graduate of Cave Canem’s 2011 & 2012 Poetry Conversations
Workshop classes. His work has appeared in numerous journals both nationally
and internationally.