A Garden of Earthly Delights

Selkirk

I thought I'd cheer up myself, American style.
I'd dress up a little and go blow some money.
I moved rather stiffly along marble floors
In a posh downtown men's store, ogling
Ties. I tried on a blazer, but looked like a fool,
Robinson Crusoe on la Cote d'Azur. I gave
Up and went to a bistro for lunch: foie gras
On slices of baguette, and lamb chops, fine,
Pricey claret, and mango gelato. I left a big
Tip, and then I went home. I didn't feel
Better. I put on old clothes, poured a big
Glass of bourbon, and took it outside.
As the sun slid northwestward, I slowly
Got drunk, Robinson Crusoe still lost
On the plains. With the trees all around
Filled with chattering birds, and the air
Still and humid, I staggered inside, feeling
Quite cheery indeed.


Probably Not What You Hoped to Hear

I would rather you'd sent me to hell with kind words,
But that's not what I got from your text.
I set off myself in the gathering darkness,
Not knowing what was to come next.
Your mother approached me. She offered a ride,
Dropped me off in the square, drove away.
I blinked at the tableau of pain in confusion,
But made my way home. I'm okay.


Just Go

It is sad in a way, but ultimately helpful:
A hard little scar's where my heart used
To be. She decided to slash me. She'll
Never say why. I was hurt, but recovered.
Someday, I will see her. She'll smile and
Greet me as if nothing's changed, but I'll
Stare back with dead eyes. I'll show her
The scar, and say softly, “You're nothing
To me.”



Poetry by Lawrence Beck The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 92 times
Written on 2016-04-25 at 00:29

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