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The Sunday Poem: Zach Kluckman... The Lion in G

She’s turning Debussy in G
into a sensual arrival of moments

What wonderful lines from The Lion in G! But Kluckman's poem is itself a "sensual arrival of moments." So much so that I have appended a 1940 recording of Debussy's Quartet in G Minor, as a sort of sensual dessert for this Sunday morning delight.

Zach Kluckman's anthology of New Mexican poets, Earthships: A New Mecca Poetry Collection, was a finalist in the 2008 NM Book Awards. Past publications include the New York Quarterly, Dos Passos Review, Cutthroat and more, as well as several anthologies. Kluckman is a man in love with the art and the state that inspires him so often.

The Lion in G

She leans into Debussy
like a lion, feasting.

Her fingers on the viola;

wet jaws
working the hamstrings of her hunger.

She’s all lean muscle and
long legs straining in her jeans.

The up-tempo piece
stretches her red shirt over
flat belly, breasts thrust upwards
like birds leaving the savannah.

Eyes closed to savor
the delicate pulse in her wrist,
she’s leaning back

in her chair, red
plaid pumps kicked back
behind her, with knees bent
at a perfect 90 degrees.

She’s turning Debussy in G
into a sensual arrival of moments;
each one coming faster
as the tempo swings up towards
a ceiling vaulted with woodwork

defying the jungle setting;
the salt sweat on her upper lip
carnivorous.

Long muscle in her arms
wrapping strong fingers around
the thin neck of this viola,

lithe left leg arching foot
back on that four inch heel,

lioness,
at the end of the movement,
licking sweat from her lips

looking oddly shy.

--Zachary Kluckman

DEBUSSY: Quartet in G Minor, Op. 10.
Budapest String Quartet.
J. Roismann, A Schneider, violins.
B. Kroydt, viola.
M. Schneider, 'cello.

Recorded December 10-12, 1940. Columbia 78rpm Set M-467 (XCO 29394 - 29401).
Digital transfer by F. Reeder.

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Comment by Margaret Randall on December 13, 2009 at 8:01am: I love this poem, Zach, and also John's addition of the music at the end--a terrific idea. The poem itself is erotic in the best sense of the term. Thank you.

Comment by Elaine Schwartz on December 13, 2009 at 10:03am: Zach - Fine work - beautifully crafted!

Comment by Ben Moffett on December 13, 2009 at 2:41pm: Voila! Uplifting change of pace from the powerful but soul-wrenching offerings in this space lately.

Comment by John Orman on December 14, 2009 at 7:26am: That wonderful poem evokes the emotion of music through the descriptive motion of the musician. Very creative artistry, Zach!

Comment by Rich Boucher on December 14, 2009 at 4:12pm: Nicely done, my young friend.

Comment by Merimee Moffitt on December 14, 2009 at 7:04pm: WOW, ZACH--has she seen this love letter poem? Soooo sexy--Jon is a dear for posting the music. You do not disappoint yr old teacher!! Lovely poem-- like birds leaving the savannah--so much I like about the poem, only one being that it strikes me as humorous--funny human men--such strong visuals I can see her too--sweet!!!

Comment by Zachary Kluckman on December 14, 2009 at 7:25pm: Thank you very much for the kind words! I am humbled and touched by your warmth and appreciate the time you took to spend with this poem.

Comment by Georgia Santa-Maria on December 20, 2009 at 2:29pm: Wonderful imagery Zach--Great!

Comment by Gina M on January 5, 2010 at 10:28pm: i don't have to listen, such great voice here, i can hear you as i read your lovely poem.....very much a zach poem...