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Dennis Cardiff

~ Poems & Prose

Dennis Cardiff

Monthly Archives: August 2019

First Kiss

29 Thursday Aug 2019

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

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Tags

dreams, emotion, empowerment, free, imagination, longing, love, mystery, personal, romance, sighs

 

kiss

 

my first kiss
so long ago
(not yet in high school)
in the back seat of a ’51 Ford
at a drive-in theatre.
I’ll remember ’till I die
my nervousness,
perspiration,
her perfume
(Tigress by Faberge)
her warmth,
angora sweater set
(pastel yellow —
no buttons
to hinder progress)
the sweetness of her kiss.
She knew much more than I
about such things

another world
had opened to me
desire and heartache
go together —
there’s seldom one
without the other
but, would we want it
any other way?
would we want
a safe, yet loveless life
without the up
without the down?
or, take the ecstasy
and risk our hearts
being trampled
to the ground

…

Sample my books for free — To date, $1945.00 has been donated to the homeless:

Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1SGzGCY ($2.99 Download)
http://buff.ly/1qLHptc ($.299 Download)
https://buff.ly/2lUfp6Q ($.99 Download)
https://buff.ly/2Gkoyxj ($2.99 Download)
They Call Me Red:
https://buff.ly/2GJSDsG ($2.96 Download)
Podcasts:http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iYvOE4
http://buff.ly/2jdjZd6

.

 

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Burlesque

24 Saturday Aug 2019

Posted by DennisCardiff in Uncategorized

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Take It Off!

Painting of international burlesque dancer, Dee Milo, 'Venus of Dance' by Dennis Cardiff fine art portrait painter specializing in portraits of burlesque dancers.

Hot lights,
hot music.
You’ve got it now;
but, soon you’ll lose it.
Perfumed skin,
leather and lace,
long blonde hair,
an angel’s face

Slow touch,
slow smile,
make me want
to stay awhile.
Take it off!
Give me an eyeful.
Lend me a dream
for the lonely night.

Tough life,
tough city
Take my money
Gotta make it pay.
Shake it slow,
take it easy.
Make it last
for another day.

Lonely crowds,
crowded minds.
I get my coat.
Dreams left behind.
Leaving alone,
leaving empty.
Night is cold
when I feel this way.

 

 

Introduction:

 

I was first introduced to burlesque in 1962 in my hometown of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan when Royal American Shows brought Leon Miller’s Club Lido show, ‘Follies des Femmes’, featuring Lucia Parks, stage name: Blaze Fury, ‘The Human Heat Wave’. She was known for twirling flaming tassels.

My portrait of Dee Milo, “Venus of Dance” was on display at the “Art of Burlesque”  brunch and exhibit on Sunday, May 30, 2004. This was part of  “Burlesk Goes North”, Canada’s first weekend-long Burlesque Festival at the 360 Club in Toronto. Exhibiting this portrait served as an introduction to a larger exhibition, “Celebrating Burlesque!”, that will be available to galleries in the near future.

Burlesque was one of the most popular forms of entertainment in American theatre from the 1930s until the late 1950s. It is currently experiencing a well-deserved revival. Traditionally it was a variety show characterized by broad ribald comedy, baggy pants comics, live music, dancing and striptease. The striptease involved extravagant costumes, fans and props, playful choreography, a powerful sense of humor, and more often than not, an exceptional gimmick. The emphasis was on artful tease and innuendo rather than nudity since the dancers were required by law to wear pasties and a g-string. Says Little Brooklyn, “I enjoy putting myself out there physically. It’s very wink-and-nod. It’s an escape from all the in-your-face sexuality that’s out there today. If you just want to see bare bodies, there are a lot of easier ways to do that – without fans and feathers blocking the view.”

My research has introduced me to many current and former burlesque performers. I asked exotic legend Satan’s Angel what it was like being one-woman roadshow, carrying five suitcases and a steamer trunk containing costumes and props by bus to isolated localities such as Whitehorse in the Yukon and Yellowknife in the North West Territories, where men hadn’t seen a woman for six months to a year? “What a blast!” she exclaimed, “I’ll never forget the love and generosity of the people in those two towns.”

Some burlesque dancers have gone on to be actresses, artists, authors, costume designers, poets, publishers, singers and entrepreneurs. Many have worked with the biggest names in Hollywood. I have found them to be some of the most generous, creative, industrious and intelligent people. The stories they have to tell are fascinating. These are truly living legends and national treasures. I am extremely proud and honored to have the opportunity to portray them to a wider audience.

 

 

Acknowledgements:

 

I wish to express my thanks to June Morrow of the Exotic Dancer’s Alliance, Don Cullen, Al Stencell, Sugar Bouche, Mary Taylor and Shirley Jean Measures for their assistance in researching this fascinating project.

Al Stencell is the author of the book Girl Show: Into the Canvas World of Bump and Grind, and his new release Seeing is Believing: America’s Side Shows, published by E.C.W. Press.

Shirley Jean Measures, originally Shirley Jean Rickert, started acting in movies at the age of three. She appeared in “Our Gang/The Little Rascals” and “Neath Arizona Skies” with John Wayne, She danced in many movies including “Singing in the Rain” with Gene Kelly.

…

Sample my books for free — To date, $1945.00 has been donated to the homeless:

Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1SGzGCY ($2.99 Download)
http://buff.ly/1qLHptc ($.299 Download)
https://buff.ly/2lUfp6Q ($.99 Download)
https://buff.ly/2Gkoyxj ($2.99 Download)
They Call Me Red:
https://buff.ly/2GJSDsG ($2.96 Download)
Podcasts:http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iYvOE4
http://buff.ly/2jdjZd6

 

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Universal Equality

23 Friday Aug 2019

Posted by DennisCardiff in Uncategorized

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In the past year
I’ve had a lot of time to think
about important and unimportant things
(long story).
I have come to some very basic conclusions
as is my right and obligation.
They may seem obvious to some.

To others, they may seem inflammatory.
Deal with it —
say what you want on your own page.

I believe that as humans
we deserve:
UNIVERSAL EQUALITY IN ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE,
UNIVERSAL ACCESS: TO FOOD, WATER, SHELTER,
MEDICAL TREATMENT AND AVAILABILITY OF MEDICATION,
UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO EDUCATION,
UNIVERSAL FREEDOM OF CHOICE OVER OUR OWN BODIES,
UNIVERSAL FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT,
FREEDOM OF SPEECH,
DEMOCRACY.

These are big issues
that have repercussions in news events
around the world.
I haven’t worked out all the details, yet,
but I have seen a lot of headlines on television
in print media and on the internet.

On our planet
we must eradicate (as much is humanly possible,
as opposed to what is economically viable)
HUNGER
DISEASE
VIOLENCE
HOMELESSNESS
BIGOTRY
WAR
(and others too numerous
to mention).

My neighbors:
MUST NOT starve while I eat,
MUST NOT die of illness while I have access to a cure,
MUST NOT BE CONFINED BY NATIONAL BORDERS
if their lives, health, or opportunities
are at risk,
MUST HAVE universal access to the best education
in order to best express their natural abilities,
MUST HAVE equal access to meaningful, rewarding and satisfying employment,
MUST HAVE the freedom to make their own life choices;
these choices MUST NOT be dictated by GOVERNMENT
RELIGION, SOCIETY or self-proclaimed MAJORITIES.
LYNCH MOB DEMOCRACY MUST BE ELIMINATED.

In short, I AM my brother’s/sister’s keeper.
I WILL treat them as I would prefer to be treated.
I WILL NOT be the cause of abuse,
whether physical, verbal, mental or emotional.
I WILL live my life
according to the best of my potential.

‘NUFF SAID (for now)…

…

 

Sample my books for free — To date, $1945.00 has been donated to the homeless:

Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1SGzGCY ($2.99 Download)
http://buff.ly/1qLHptc ($.299 Download)
https://buff.ly/2lUfp6Q ($.99 Download)
https://buff.ly/2Gkoyxj ($2.99 Download)
They Call Me Red:
https://buff.ly/2GJSDsG ($2.96 Download)
Podcasts:http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iYvOE4
http://buff.ly/2jdjZd6

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When She Starts in Walking

22 Thursday Aug 2019

Posted by DennisCardiff in Song Lyrics

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Tags

beauty, desire, dreams, emotion, empowerment, fantasy, imagination, longing, sex, sighs, style

 

woman

 

When she starts in walking, guys they stop their talking.
Their minds are on just what they want to do.
They can dream, scheme and taste it coming true.

She’s got their attention, nothing left to mention.
She knows their minds; she’ll use that on them too.
She’ll lead the way and they will follow through.

She knows what she’s doin’, may lead some to ruin —
casualties, but what’s a girl to do.
Oh, my dear, such a pity, what to do.

Always calculating, lots of time for waiting;
a chump will come along, they always do.
I’m sure one’s coming now, maybe it’s you.

She knows to set her hook; she’ll do it with a look.
She knows he’ll take the bait and then he’s through.
He’s hooked now and squirming in the queue.

She has him on his knees, all he can say is please.
He’ll do her bidding, thinks he’s got her too,
but she’s casting her hook for someone new.

She’s got what she’s after; all that’s left is laughter.
She’s cruel and conniving through and through.
You watch out now, she’s coming straight for you.

 

Sample my books for free — To date, $1945.00 has been donated to the homeless:

Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1SGzGCY ($2.99 Download)
http://buff.ly/1qLHptc ($.299 Download)
https://buff.ly/2lUfp6Q ($.99 Download)
https://buff.ly/2Gkoyxj ($2.99 Download)
They Call Me Red:
https://buff.ly/2GJSDsG ($2.96 Download)
Podcasts:http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iYvOE4
http://buff.ly/2jdjZd6

Share this:

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