Norma Jeane
~after Milton Greene’s Marilyn Monroe—Ballerina Sitting
poor Milton—I’ve kept him waiting
he wants me to pose again
they’ve gathered me
into a see-through poof of netting—
a kind of tutu—all flounces and fuss
the bodice, too small (of course)
can’t be zipped
I hold it against my breasts
he wants Marilyn—and I bring her
lips parted—
he says, needier
and I do that—lifting my brows
a plea from a beggar’s child
I do Marilyn, and he kneels
to photograph my knees
—is this what you want?
first publication: Orca Magazine, 2025.
What Inspires You
So much is inspirational. I especially love hearing poetry read aloud/performed. Whenever I can go to a live reading or open mic, I do. Many younger poets are so passionate and willing to be vulnerable. I always go home with my heart humming. And even though I know it may be a long road to publication for some of them, I also know it will be a road worth traveling. My poem, “Norma Jeane”, was written while taking a six-week course from poet laureate Ron Koertge of California. I love how funny and wise his poetry is. In addition, he does a number of persona poems from interesting real and fictional personages. He had us write a persona poem. “Norma Jeane” was my response. Later, I was delighted to have it published in Orca Magazine in 2025.
Bio
Shutta Crum is a Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation honoree (2024). Her poems have won several contests and have appeared in many journals in a number of countries, including West Trade, Acumen, Calyx, Palette Poetry, MER, Grain, Acumen, The Avenue, and Boulevard. A Pushcart nominee, she is the recipient of 11 Royal Palm Literary Awards (FL). Her chapbook When You Get Here won a gold RPLA. Her latest chapbook is Meet Me Out There (Kelsay Books). www.shutta.com
Find the Spring 2026 Issue HERE
Previous NPM 2026 poets
| April 1 | Amy Forstadt |
| April 2 | Annette Sisson |
| April 3 | Beth Kanell |
| April 4 | Bonnie Proudfoot |
| April 5 | Charles Stringer |
| April 6 | D. Dina Friedman |
| April 7 | David Colodney |
| April 8 | Deanna Ludwin |
| April 9 | Eileen Pettycrew |
| April 10 | Felice Alexandra |
| April 11 | Grace Massey |
| April 12 | Hallie Fogarty |
| April 13 | Isabel Cristina Legarda |
| April 14 | Jon Yungkans |
| April 15 | Kim Welliver |
| April 16 | Laura Foley |
| April 17 | Laurie Kuntz |
| April 18 | Marissa Glover |
| April 19 | Michelle McMillan-Holifield |
| April 20 | Miriam Sagan |
| April 21 | Roy Mason |
| April 22 | Sarah Banks |
| April 23 | Sean Whalen |
| April 24 | Shutta Crum |