More Gertrude Stein

An old dear editor friend of mine, Rebecca, made a request for more Gertrude Stense. A few weeks ago Rebecca came to town and we had a long, lovely dinner. Our conversation ranged over years, families, pursuits and literary circles. One shared gripe was how formulaic and one-dimensional so many novels feel today along with our wish to uncover the brash and vivid Gertrude Steins and James Joyces of today. Is Phillip Roth and John Updike really the best we have to offer? Herewith follows Gertrude who managed to break the mold, and stretch the language in heretofore unknown sensual and strange ways and remain lively and fresh to this day . It's spring. It's luscious. Enjoy. This passage from Lifting Belly frays and braids my mind like a thick silken rope every time I read it. --Thanks Rebecca for a great conversation.

Lifting Belly

Kiss my lips. She did.
Kiss my lips again she did.
Kiss my lips over and over and over again she did.
I have feathers. Gentle fishes.
Do you think about apricots.
We find them very beautiful. It is not alone their color it is their seeds that charm us.
We find it a change.
Lifting belly is so strange.
I came to speak about it.
Selected raisins well their grapes grapes are good.
Change your name.
Question and garden.
It's raining.
Don't speak about it.
My baby is a dumpling.
I want to tell her something.
Wax candles. We have bought a great many wax candles.
Some are decorated. They have not been lighted.
I do not mention roses.
Exactly. Actually.
Question and butter. I find the butter very good.
Lifting belly is so kind.
Lifting belly fattily. Doesn't that astonish you.
You did want me.
Say it again. Strawberry.
Lifting beside belly.
Lifting lindly belly.
Sing to me I say.
Some are wives not heroes.
Lifting belly merely.
Sing to me I say.
Lifting belly.
A reflection.
Lifting belly adjoibs more prizes.
Fit to be. I have fit on a hat.
Have you.
What did you say to excuse me.
Difficult paper and scattered.
Lifting belly is so kind.

Comments

[bailey]

luvin it, diggin it...
baci/bay