THE BREAD LOAF JOURNAL
To the Grillmaster
Upon arriving on the Mountain for Bread Loaf inspired by the independence of Lovecraft Country and the 4th of July DONTÉ S. TATES | VERMONT must I sear my skin for you marinate in the dark and cold make tender your pounding soul onyx my skin to old obsidian must my flayed flesh fall for you to see meted sadness replete with blanched fears and layered drippings on a catching grate piece by piece crestfallen hisses onto imprisoned fire skewered upon the barbie what more do you want from me like Eve must I be a rib grilled for your pleasure breathing in my burnt ends savor my char blackened outside inside red raw perfection achieved slow-cooked in the juices of your preparation would you see my supple color decadent you fork apart my deadenedness am I done never done you seek more crackles in the flame have you thought what burns me burns you
58 | VOLUME VIII