Photo: Daniel R. Pratt
Alicia Lee
River Falls, WI
Innocence and Prince
probably nine was too young
to be listening to Controversy
and coordinating dance routines
to his upbeat Private Joy
we rewound the cassette so many times
how the delicate ribbon with his magic
could withstand the smashing of boombox buttons
is testament to his loving power
when I was twenty and probably too young
some of my wolf pack
persuaded me to Chanhassen
where his Paisley Park studio held court
the lobby disguised as an odd prom
with disco dots alighting office furniture
and potted plants
we were patted down at the door
drugs and guns were not allowed
in his majesty's kingdom
I became part of the wall
and watched Henry the Fifth in purple
and his announcing boots
take laps with his alert bodyguards
surveying his subjects
they danced to Housequake
and Raspberry Beret
each disciple trying to prove loyalty
through their Elvis hips and
eager puppy smiles
hoping for just an approving nod
from the creator
from the god who walked among us
and left us anointed
in his sexy grace
Alicia Lee is a Wisconsin-based poet and certified sommelier. Her work is featured or forthcoming in Slipstream, Trashlight, and One Art. She is a contributor to the Voices of Neighbors anthology and first place recipient in the Lakefly Writing Contest. She grew up in Minnesota, listening to Prince and dancing at First Avenue. Alicia performed a reading of her poem for the community as part of the Forever in My Life film and art night at the Capri on June 10, 2026.
Image credits
Artwork images: courtesy of the contributors. All rights reserved.
Installation photography: Daniel R. Pratt
