MARILYN MONROE 

“Am I to become
profligate as if
I were a blonde?”
—Frank O’Hara
Meditation in an Emergency
____________

I’m like Marilyn Monroe—
strangled by Joseph Cotton
in the Niagara Falls Clock Tower

My purse spilling out all my—
lipstick, compact, mirror,
mascara and rubbers
____________

I’m the least difficult fag—
in Hollywood like I flee
Fickle Fame and Happiness

Forget my Academy Award—
for “Some Like It Hot” and
film noir “The Asphalt Jungle”
_____________

And remember, honey—
Diamonds are a queen’s
best friend in a pinch

Forget Marlene Dietrich—
those Weimar cabaret blues
sad Blue Angel burlesque
___________

I play the dumb Blonde—
let the jerks pretend
they know everything

Open the lock—
and let the knob turn
open your closet door