Thinking of Bette Davis by Jennifer Lagier

Queen of
arch attitude,
Bette could
dismember
with a single
acidic quip,
take us all
on that bumpy ride.
With flashing eyes,
red lips parted,
she embraced
her inner bitch,
advanced her career.
Dissected those
who annoyed
with witty rejoinders.
Drew blood before
her victim even knew
he’d been slashed.
Gave Dorothy Parker
a run for her money
when it came
to articulate snide.

Jennifer Lagier has published ten books and in literary magazines. She taught with California Poets in the Schools, co-edits the Homestead Review, helps coordinate monthly Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Second Sunday readings. Forthcoming books: Harbingers (Blue Light Press), Scene of the Crime (Evening Street Press), Camille Abroad (FutureCycle). Website: http://jlagier.net