Delmore Schwartz
(1913-1966)
LOVE AND MARILYN MONROE
(after Spillane)
Let us be aware of the true dark gods
Acknowledging the cache of the crotch
The primitive pure and powerful pink and grey
private sensitivities
Wincing, marvelous in their sweetness, whence rises
the future.
Therefore let us praise Miss Marilyn Monroe.
She has a noble attitude marked by pride and candor
She takes a noble pride in the female nature and torso
She articulates her pride with directness and exuberance
She is honest in her delight in womanhood and manhood.
She is not only a great lady, she is more than a lady,
She continues the tradition of Dolly Madison and Clara Bow
When she says, "Any woman who claims she does not like
to be grabbed is a liar! ' ,
Whether true or false, this colossal remark
states a dazzling intention .
It
might be the birth of a new Venus, among us
It
atones at the very least for such as Carry Nation
For Miss Monroe will never be a blue nose,
and perhaps we may hope
That there will be fewer blue noses because
she has flourished-
Long may she flourish in self-delight and the joy
ofwomanhood
A nation haunted by Puritanism owes her homage and gratitude.
