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