Mao Zedong Rising

Mao Zedong Rising

Application Essay to Umass Boston / August 1993

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You want very much to fold me into this omelette you have cooking.

I can assure you that you do not want me on the fringe.

I have run with pirates since a young girl with skinned knees.

I have grown on mayo sandwiches, fried Cheerios and powdered lemonade.

I first smoked a cig at 10, puffed on weed at 12, knew the power of vodka at 13, given a key bump of coke at 14, dropped acid at 15.

I wanted Neil Cassidy as my first boyfriend.

I have read Dostoevsky and Hesse and Rand.

I understand just enough to be a danger to myself and others.

You don’t want me out here working as a waitress, sweating in kitchens.

I have notions and resentment and a quietude unnerving.

I have a rage so fierce grown men will turn on heel.

If you don’t get me on path to civility and a job with climate control,
I will burn this village to the ground.

I will lay waste to it all in a Zedong-type fashion.
A cult of personality like never before seen.

This girl wants an office job at 65 degrees year-round.

You don’t want me getting better with knives.
You don’t want this bitter to strengthen.

You only have this blink of time to fold me in soft to the mix,
you best take me now.