Self Portrait by Elisabeth Horan
Inspired by Frida Kahlo
Published by Cephalo Press September 30th 2019
I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone,
because I am the person I know best. – Frida Kahlo
This book of poetry explores the life and work of Frida Kahlo, suffusing the intensity of her life into a dual-language collection. In her love of language and Frida, emerging poet Elisabeth Horan offers a beautiful meditation on art and that which inspires it. Her connection to Frida is drawn out through the vivid poems and imagery, embedding the personal into a life-story that has become well-known. Horan’s collection illuminates a new approach to Kahlo’s life in its emphasis on shared experience and poetic tribute.
Today I am delighted to welcome Elisabeth Horan once again to booksaremycwtches. This time I’m sharing a poem from her new collection Self Portrait.
Empty Banner 1930
Anarchy is just fine take a lap-
around the pool
taste the other types of water
Travel communists
need linguists
Need your short bob –
ike my cupid doll –
Canary on a balcony.
Marx knows, I know
The way a woman’s tongue can do
things golden dust cannot
Skeleton tape – beware-
come visit me not in San Francisco-
no te permito seguirme ahí not allowed to pursue me there
There – I long to hiss along her back
be a bone in her vagina
You know her
you know about syringes
Body cast imprints
catheters; orgasms
La Serpiente Verde – The Green Serpent
Within this skin
little blue bird
Sparkled as sky
flies home to D.F.
Without having said
goodbye
You can purchase Self Portrait from the publisher and Amazon..
About the Author
Elisabeth Horan is an imperfect creature from Vermont advocating for animals, children and those suffering alone and in pain – especially those ostracized by disability and mental illness. She is Editor in Chief at Animal Heart Press, and Co-Editor at Ice Floe Press. She has several chaps and collections coming out this year including Bad Mommy / Stay Mommy at Fly on the Wall Press, Odd list Odd house Odd me at Twist It Press, Was It R*pe, from Rhythm and Bones Press, and Just to the Right of the Stove, with Hedgehog Poetry Press. She is a poetry mentor and proud momma to Peter and Thomas. She recently earned her MFA from Lindenwood University and received a 2018 Best of the Net Nomination from Midnight Lane Boutique and a 2018 Pushcart Nomination from Cease Cows. Follow her @ehoranpoet & ehoranpoet.com Her other books are available to buy from: https://www.ehoranpoet.com/my-bookstore.html
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