Infinite

I was reminded of this poem the other day. It’s sensual and seemed a good piece for autumn, somehow. Slower and more indulgent than summer, perhaps. Simmering desire and things unspoken, like secrets hidden beneath fallen leaves. 🍁

*Warming Her Pearls* by Carol Ann Duffy

“Next to my own skin, her pearls. My mistress bids me wear them, warm them, until evening when I´ll brush her hair. At six, I place them round her cool, white throat. All day I think of her,

resting in the Yellow Room, contemplating silk or taffeta, which gown tonight? She fans herself whilst I work willingly, my slow heat entering each pearl. Slack on my neck, her rope.

She´s beautiful. I dream about her in my attic bed; picture her dancing

with tall men, puzzled by my faint, persistent scent beneath her French perfume, her milky stones.

I dust her shoulders with a rabbit´s foot,

watch the soft blush seep through her skin

like an indolent sigh. In her looking-glass

my red lips part as though I want to speak.

Full moon. Her carriage brings her home. I see her every movement in my head…. Undressing, taking off her jewels, her slim hand reaching for the case, slipping naked into bed, the way

she always does…. And I lie here awake,

knowing the pearls are cooling even now

in the room where my mistress sleeps. All l night I feel their absence and I burn.”

I thought it would be fun to create a list of sapphic songs for Pride month. 🏳️‍🌈 The songs, artists, or both are sapphic, or in my mind they fit the theme. There's a variety of genres, but it centers around singer-songwriter and pop. Enjoy! 😊

1. Electric Love - Paravi: Lighter and more ethereal than the original.

2. Madison (orla & friends version) - Orla Gartland: I like this recording best because the group adds a different dynamic to the song.

3. Pynk (feat. Grimes) - Janelle Monae, Grimes: Had to include Janelle Monae for Pride. The music video is fun, too.

4. Night Go Slow - Catey Shaw: The music video for this song is also worth watching.

5. Brooklyn Girls - Catey Shaw: Upbeat and no holds barred.

6. Dancing in the Dark - Lucy Dacus: A fun take on a classic.

7. hell yeah - corook: So glad I found this artist. Everyone should have someone, if they want, who feels about them like this.

8. Sheezus - Lily Allen: I adore Lily.

9. Pin-Up Daddy - Rett Madison: A unique song about the artist's journey.

10. I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry: I also had to include this one. The playlist wouldn't be complete without it.

11. Femininomenon - Chappell Roan: Her fashion is as interesting as her songs. Hints of riot grrrl.

12. sadder badder cooler - Tove Lo: Another cool music video.

13. Sandbox - Enny Owl: Soft and sweet.

14. Supergirl - Radio Edit - DJ Dark, Mentol, Georgia Alexandra: Dance pop.

15. Can't Take My Eyes Off of You - Ms. Lauryn Hill: R'n'B/Hip Hop. This one will also put a smile on your face. Slightly addictive.

The tulips and daffodils are starting to bloom, and the little green leaves are finally appearing. It’s been such a long winter. I cannot wait for spring. Here’s a poem that I’m always reminded of this time of year. It’s also a great one if you happen to need a short poem to memorize.

”Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost

”Nature’s first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf’s a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay.”

I've enjoyed “hanging out” in the Music Lounge and have been inspired to reexamine my choice of music. I've realized how many vaguely heart-related songs are in my playlists, so I thought it might be interesting to list some of them. As per usual, I've taken some artistic liberties with my selections, and they may not fit neatly into either category from the title.

In no particular order:

• Fever (feat. Lukas Graham) - Kygo, Lukas Graham
• fineshrine - Purity Ring
• Remind Me - Emily King
• Here is a Heart - Jenny Owen Youngs
• Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis
• Elastic Heart - Sia
• No One Dies from Love - Tove Lo
• Your Surrender - Neon Trees
• Power - Greta Isaac
• (I Just) Died in Your Arms - Cutting Crew
• Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes
• Who is in Your Heart Now? - Studio Killers
• Blue Monday - HEALTH (cover)
• Waiting for Tonight - Jennifer Lopez
• Youth - Daughter
• The Rhythm of the Night - Sean Finn, Corona
• Break Your Heart - Taio Cruz
• Deep Forest Green - Husky Rescue
• Sound of a Broken Heart - Jukebox The Ghost
• Open Heart - Adrian Chalifour
• I'm on Fire - Bruce Springsteen
• Lark of my Heart - Eliza Rickman
• Un-Break my Heart - Toni Braxton
• Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler
• Two of Hearts - Stacey Q
• Hungry Heart - Bruce Springsteen
• Heart of Glass - Blondie
• Her Own Heart - Hatchie
• Invisible Touch - Genesis
• Fire - Ingrid Michaelson
• Black & Blue - Ingrid Michaelson
• Hope is a Heartache - LEON
• Step - Vampire Weekend
• Rainbow Veins - Owl City
• Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up) - Florence + the Machine

(Not used to using the tags, yet, so I've done my best.)