Friday, February 1, 2019

Lorna Wood - Five Can Poems





Lorna Wood is a violinist and writer in Auburn, Alabama, with a Ph.D. in English from Yale. 

In 2018 she was nominated for a Pushcart Prize by Poetry South and won second prize in the 2018 Loquat Literary Festival poetry contest. In 2016 she was a finalist in the SHARKPACK Poetry Review’s Valus’ Sigil competition. 

Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in various places, including the anthologies Luminous Echoes (poems shortlisted for Into the Void Magazine’s 2016 poetry contest) and Leaves of Loquat IV (Loquat Literary Festival). Lorna has also published fiction, creative nonfiction, and scholarly articles, and she is Associate Editor of Gemini Magazine.

Author's Note: "Can poems are derived from text found on cans, read top to bottom, front to back". 


***
Can #9: Buffalo Rock Ginger Ale


Southern spice won’t do Facts

Values sugar
or corn sweetener

and caramel coloring
under authority

Sunfresh Alabama recycles
the Civil War
for war-weary soldiers

the formula has remained largely unchanged
for more than a century.

Refreshingly served,
float over

Enjoy this unique tradition!


***
Can #12: Bumble Bee Prime Fillets


Make Me

Mumble me wild-caught tunes & more
Trace me solid in water
Contain my bones in an ocean
Produce me safe
                                       free
                                                       full

***
Can #14: L’Oréal Magic Root Cover Up

Paris

Magic cover
temporary concealer
Pray Flawless

No more compromises
Quick & easy flash
no sticky residue

Lightweight
Lasts 1 sham minute
Done!

After               warning:

Avoid Fire, flame and heat.
Avoid eyes under pressure
Keep out of reach

by deliberately concentrating
and inhaling harmful
or fatal questions

***
Can #15: Old El Paso Traditional Refried Beans

Old

Established
Traditional
Refried
used for general advice.

Contains
Lard
Salt
Vinegar
Pepper
helpful information

low heat,
stirring occasionally
loosely covered
leftover

expires


*** 
Can #16:  Gillette Foamy Shave Foam

Comfort Formula

Caution
Attention
May explode if heated

Simple.
Classic.
rich

spreads easily
rinses clean
for generations.

Under pressure
In hot water
Keep out of reach

en douceur
Sensible
meilleur

The best.
Ne pas perforer
le contenant