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The Watermelon Woman (Triolet)

Missing image
by Gregg Rowe


Sighs in watermelon splendor
My heart beating against your breast
Your lips quiver -- oh so tender
Sighs in watermelon splendor
My eyes are blind to your gender
Hide not -- as our love is expressed
Sighs in watermelon splendor
My heart beating against your breast

Author notes

Watermelon Woman, The

A Film by Cheryl Dunye



Cheryl Dunye's debut feature is as controversial as it is sexy and funny. Dunye's character (Cheryl) is a twenty-something black lesbian working as a clerk in a video store while struggling to make a documentary about Fae Richards, an obscure black actress from the 1930's. Cheryl is surprised to discover that Richards (known populary as "the Watermelon Woman") had a white lesbian lover. At the same time, Cheryl falls in love with a very cute white customer at the video store (Guinevere Turner from Go Fish).

Such are the complexities of race and sex in this startlingly fresh debut, which has been attacked by conservative Congressmen for having been funded by the NEA and lavishingly praised in the editorial pages for being charming and courageous.

"Dazzling! Imagine Woody Allen refashioned as an African American lesbian." - New York Press


85 minutes, color, 1997
Written July 13th, 2004

In a list

A contest entry

What did you think

    I plan to revise this poem: please leave constructive criticism!
    : , Your review:

    Comment Suggestion: What is your your first impression?
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Comments

1 - 17 of 17
  • MsLaDyAvErAgE
    October 21, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Wow! I never saw neither heard of the film but your poem is beautifully amazing. Thanks for sharing. Good luck in the contest.
    's
    LadyRage


  • duana
    July 17, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Thank you for contributing this poem to my contest. It was the perfect piece to round out the whole contest- bringing watermelon splendor to everyone. It is a very original poem, and i really enjoyed reading it.


  • sanity
    July 16, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    I like this one, very sensual and kinda makes me think I want to see this movie, lovely triolet...............................

    Take care

    sanity.


  • misselaineous
    July 15, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    lovely triolet... really got me thinking eh?


  • April Renee
    July 15, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    very nicely penned....i had to read it twice...before and then after reading your authors comment...lovely job..really enjoyed...good luck in the contest..

    ~*~blU~*~


  • Desire gold member
    July 14, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    I have got to see this movie....Love the triolet you have done~ Bravo to you and best wishes too
    Very awesome rhyme

    and much love~Desire


  • Terry-too silver member
    July 14, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Really to appeciate light, you have to have known the darkness, really to relish food, you have to have been hungry, really to relish cold water, you must have been very thirsty... and where is this leading? Contrasts clarify.
    I think it is the extreme limitation of the form. Eight lines, five if them are repeats, One is there three times, the other twice. I think it is the repetition that makes the three remaining lines special. Puts a lot of pressure on making them special! Fortunately you did. As usual.





  • Morgana
    July 14, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    I'm impressed! I liked the poem, and I loved the explanation behind it. It must be an interesting film...I'll try to watch it. Very well written.

    -morgana


  • Mari Goes gold member
    July 14, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    It is so impressive how many wonderful triolets came out of that line!
    I really liked yours!
    Good luck!
    Mari


  • July 13, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Have you seen the incredibly true adventure of two girls in love? Has to be one of my favorites..that one along with "Beautiful Thing" ...A UK Based movie.


    OK, on to the poem I think you did this movie justice..and I do like form poetry when it's done well..so that means I liked this one.

  • Risque
    July 13, 2004
    Edit | Reply

    Good

    Ive never heard of that film, looks kinda interesting though
    I like the poem, Very good

    Ka-Nikkers


  • July 13, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Never heard of the film. But your poem is excellent. I thought Woody Allen WAS an African American lesbian. I must get new glasses.


  • almost alex
    July 13, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    this is lovely... it makes me want to be a lesbian... although, in truth Ive always kind of felt this way... but the poem boosts the feeling. oh well, maybe next lifetime...

    definitely a marvelous reminder, that love is love.


  • July 13, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    This is cute Gregg. I like it. The form and (duh!) the repition of course. Awesome write.

    *~OD~*

  • now
    July 13, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    lol i had to click on this as is from my line! great triolet best of luck in the contest, i never hear of that movie before! take care, now


  • -LizBTropez-
    July 13, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Huh, looks like an interesting movie... perhaps I shall have to watch it. A lovely romantic poem, true to sentiment, and not worrying about society's norms, I say bravo to that. Nice form poem, well written.


  • xbrokenxchildx
    July 13, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    thats really good. I love it.

1 - 17 of 17