Sonnenizio on a Line from Shakespeare

by Clemmie Mendelson

How with this rage shall beauty hold a plea, 

But with a hand holding a hand as one drifts through consciousness,

Beauty will hold Rage in her palm like a honey bee, 

A sugary breeze closing her fingers, but withholding at the promise of a sting.

Rage sits on the steps and weeps, Beauty holds such power 

Over her, unbeholden, with eyes that whisper and a tongue that tricks.

Rage sputters and gulps and holds out her hands— 

And the world tells her she is toxic. Rage upholds 

Her roaring truth and they grab a hold of her and shake. 

Beauty holds onto her words, twisting them over taffy hooks.

Beauty puts Rage in a chokehold and nails down the lid of her coffin.

Beauty calls the doctor and dances to the hold music, feet slapping on the deck,

Twirling lovers in the moonlight, holding herself insurmountable,

Sneakily taking a bite out of each of them, and never holding herself accountable.