-1-

Narcissus

In watery abysses,

Condemned to cooler blisses

Than this is,

Hisses

That he misses

His own kisses.

-2-

POEM WITH A FOOTNOTE FOR A TITLE*

(*A vernissage is an art opening.)

While standing at the vernissage Engaged in idle badinage I fabricate some persiflage To linger by your décolletage. Could one actually massage Such an obvious mirage? At risk of social sabotage, Employing tricks of espionage, I infiltrate your entourage And press my nose to your corsage. A pair of turrets on the Taj! Were you under my British raj I’d put you through some strict dressage, Inflict an oscular barrage And park my tank in your garage.

-3-

FROM HIS COY MISTRESS

Purge Urge To surge On verge Or we shall no more merge.

-4-

TO HIS BOY MISTRESS

Never shall I stick my pal In your banal Canal.

-5-

Hate Mate’s Weight? Won’t deflate? Anticipate Giving Kate/ Nate Gate? Wait! Cogitate! Neither fate Nor plate: Mental state! Failure to sate! Typical trait. Don’t calumniate. You too are stale mate— Overweight, Out of date, Bald pate, Loose plate. Not so great. Can irritate. Too late To eliminate. Create! Titillate! Rejuvenate! Treat like date! (May have to fellate.) All you do is prate, You ingrate!