Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.)
Sam Bovard
Felix Gonzales-Torres, 1991
i.
Let me remember that all I am is imagined.
175 pounds of cellophane-wrapped candies sit in a corner
like the man they are meant to replace. Take a bite
out of the lover— become the decimation
that stole his youth, ravaged his body,
taking and taking little pieces,
shining like the sun, until
there’s nothing left.
ii.
To love someone enough to make their dying last forever…
The museum can choose to replenish the pile or leave
the corner empty, save for the ghost. Is it better
to die once or forever be dying? What do we
leave after we go but little pieces of
cellophane, crinkling in your jacket
pocket, forgotten and hung
back up in the closet?
iii.
You have to let the light in, grass stains damp
on your chest; listen to Twigs sing
Cellophane and open the body
unwraptured; take me into
your mouth and pretend
that I’m sweet, bright.
Need me. Eat me.
And let me imagine that I’ll be remembered.
i.
Let me remember that all I am is imagined.
175 pounds of cellophane-wrapped candies sit in a corner
like the man they are meant to replace. Take a bite
out of the lover— become the decimation
that stole his youth, ravaged his body,
taking and taking little pieces,
shining like the sun, until
there’s nothing left.
ii.
To love someone enough to make their dying last forever…
The museum can choose to replenish the pile or leave
the corner empty, save for the ghost. Is it better
to die once or forever be dying? What do we
leave after we go but little pieces of
cellophane, crinkling in your jacket
pocket, forgotten and hung
back up in the closet?
iii.
You have to let the light in, grass stains damp
on your chest; listen to Twigs sing
Cellophane and open the body
unwraptured; take me into
your mouth and pretend
that I’m sweet, bright.
Need me. Eat me.
And let me imagine that I’ll be remembered.
Felix Gonzales-Torres, Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) 1991, Candies individually wrapped in multicolor cellophane, endless supply, ideal weight 175 lbs. The Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois
Sam (Pomona '23) is an English major and a poet who digitally goes to school in Claremont, CA.