Original Poem by Susan Woodhead
…about experiencing a live concert performance by Grace Jones…

Jungle cat
Vocally prowls the stage,
Smooth muse and man-eater,
She of the hats
And the cassowary-crazed headpiece,
Has the power.

Ageless face
Of androgynous mask,
Heels, cloaks, gloves,
And sexual predation,
French studded,
Gospel soul exultation,
Menacing.
Hauty.
Wicked groove,
Uttering the infamous:
‘Where’s my whip ?!
Move !’

Pose.
Swagger.
Sass.

Rotate and bend
With billowing cape,
Lay back,
Extend,
Sing-say it tight,
Laser beams of light,
Viva diva of destruction
And nightclub sleaze.

Ease
Into reggae funk,
This hurricane contralto
Sweats leatherette,
G-stringed,
Exposes her groin,
Crashes cymbals,
Pulls up,
Flashes fishnets and eyes,
Disguised.

And how dare we
To dance on her stage,
As we worship
At the temple of Grace.