Lyrics Dear Anne Sexton - Vanessa Daou

Dear Anne Sexton

On line at the supermarket
Waiting for the tally
The blue numerals
Tattooed
On the white skins
Of paper
I read your open book
Of folly
And take heart
Poet of my heart
The poet as a housewife!
Keeper of steak & liver
Keeper of keys, locks, razors
Keeper of blood & apples
Of breasts & angels
Jesus & beautiful women
Keeper also of women
Who are not beautiful-
You glide in from Cape Ann
On your winged broomstick-
The housewife’s Pegasus
You are sweeping the skies clear
Of celestial rubbish
You are placing a child there
A heart here.. .
You are singing for your supper
Dearest wordmother & hunger-teacher
Full professor of courage
Dean of women
In my school of books
Thank you
I have checked out
Pounds of meat & cans of soup
I walk home laden
Light with writing you