after Sappho

four steps to the phonebooth, 
you could have her in your 

arms, just her body breaking 
under touch the scarf at her neck 

a noose you have seen her before
the one with violets in her lap

here is the anchor of her 
scalp the hard plastic phone 

cradle here is your whole 
self against her whole self

the one with violets in her lap
writhing fighting here is your 

sloppy drunk mouth and the 
edge of her jaw clamped tight 

against you your lips moving 
across her lips against her cheek 

you will teach her skin purple
flesh balled up in your fists

the one with violets in her lap
fuck the violets she will learn

to hate pretty things can’t you 
see she doesn’t want you doesn’t 

know you and she is just a woman 
you should know all women learn 

the value of stones stolen fragments 
of sea folded into palms 

dead weight in our pockets.

Published September 28, 2025

Allison Field Bell is a PhD candidate in Creative Writing at the University of Utah, and she holds an MFA in Creative Writing from New Mexico State University. Her debut poetry collection, ALL THAT BLUE, is forthcoming in 2026. She is also the author of two chapbooks, WITHOUT WOMAN OR BODY (Poetry, Finishing Line Press) and EDGE OF THE SEA (Creative Nonfiction, CutBank Books). Find her at allisonfieldbell.com

Oscar Howe (Mazuha Hokshina or "Trader Boy", May 13, 1915 – October 7, 1983) was a Yanktonai Dakota artist from South Dakota, who became well known for his casein and tempera paintings. He is credited with influencing contemporary Native American art, paving the way for future artists. His art style is marked by bright color, dynamic motion and pristine lines.