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Bread
I make bread
while you love
her
not knowing what else to do
I punch the dough
a hundred times
till it is smooth
and dimple
free
I wait as it
rises
never thinking it could
fall
it bakes
to perfection
the aroma
intoxicates
and comforts
at night when you return
I will smell only the
bread
and not the odor of
infidelity
and you will feast on the
loaves
instead of me
Table Manners
I like the hard crusts of bread
sometimes even using the heel
as my utensil
or a tiny mop
cleaning every last bit
of the pungent herbs
that cling to the bowl
I love to dunk
crisp nutty biscotti
in cups of steamy espresso
and on those nights
when you’re not around
I slurp my minestrone
soup
for you
I nibble ever so
graciously on tea sandwiches
of watercress and thyme
(with the crusts removed)
and make sure to put the steak knife
down after each deliberate bite
passing on dessert because
you believe thin is in
while you sleep on sheets the
color of mayonnaise
and dream of meat loaf dinners
served by women with bouffant hair
and frilly yellow aprons
I sit crossed legged on an unmade bed
eating a tomato basil and onion salad
olive oil spilling onto a pink Barbacci comforter
and I will dream of men who love the smell of
garlic
pretending someday you will be able
to eat with your hands
Douceur
after loving her
he will bring me roses
pink are my favorite
he has them wrapped
with babies breath and
leafy green foliage
they look so lovely on the
Bentley breakfront
a long weekend away from
me will only cost him a
day at Costa Caribe
or perhaps a
pair of Mila shoes
the last time he took a 10 day
cruise
I bought a new living room
suite
and a Stickley desk
that he sits at to do our
taxes
the diamonds pearls
and platinum
still smell of guilt
and the Black Russian Sable
was a Christmas gift supposed to keep
me warm when he is away
he will never know
that I am seldom cold
or seldom alone
and his indiscretions are my
sustenance
Marianne LaValle-Vincent
, a first generation Italian-American, is a native of Syracuse, New York.
She is a published poet, writer and humorist. She has won numerous literary contests and has achieved
publication in such magazines as Italiana Americana, The Birmingham Review, Poetry Motel,
Falling Star, 3 Cup Morning, and other special publications through SUNY. Her credits and
awards infiltrate the internet on such web sites as Real Eight View, Ascent, Underground Window,
Dance with Words, , Word Riot, Zygote in My Coffee, Poetic Diversity,
and Writers on Line. Her first full length poetry collection entitled American Lie is available
in bookstores throughout the country. Coverings (a chapbook) is now available through Foothills Publishing.
Marianne's second full length poetry collection 313's Child made its debut in July, 2005.
Besides poetry, many of her short stories have been published, including "Understanding Dad"
in Chicken Soup for the Soul-Fathers and Daughters. You can sample her humorous
essays and articles on line at Long Story Short, Boomer Women Speak and Cynic Online Magazine.
She was recently awarded a literary grant through Hill House Writers in Nashville, TN.,
and is invited frequently to lecture at local universities and libraries as well as making
guest appearances on local radio and television shows.
Marianne is the Poetry Editor for Szirine Magazine. She is also a Copy Editor and feature writer
for Moondance, a literary magazine supporting creative women.
In another dimension, Marianne works as an administrative marketer and RN. She still lives in
Syracuse with her husband, Tim and 14 year old daughter, Jess. Her greatest pleasure, after writing,
is cooking and entertaining family and friends.
Email: Marianne LaValle-Vincent
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