SUDDENLY
Suddenly the kids, the car,
the house, the spouse, the local bar,
the work, have made you what you are.
What doesn’t chill you makes you fonder.
–
Should you stay or should you go?
The thrill you’re looking for, you know,
could be right here at home, although
What doesn’t thrill you makes you wander.
–
If, avoiding common truth,
you dye your hair and act uncouth,
will you find your misplaced youth —
really, will you if you’re blonder?
–
It doesn’t matter if you’re strong
or if you sing a pretty song,
something, and it won’t be long,
will come to kill you, here or yonder.
–
You’re human in the human fray,
and choose between the shades of grey.
No matter if you go or stay
–
what might fulfil you makes you ponder.
……………………………..
……………….
VILLANELLE: I LIKE YOU THE BEST
Of all my readers I like you the best.
You’re sexily well-read, and very smart —
Oh, you’re the one; the rest are just the rest.
–
Though most of them will think I speak in jest,
It’s you, you know, who’s read into my heart:
Of all my readers I like you the best.
–
I’m feeling better now that I’ve confessed
That it’s for you I struggle with my art.
You are the one — the rest are just the rest.
–
I see by your reaction you had guessed
I liked you more, and liked you from the start;
Of all my readers, I like you the best.
–
You get me — and I like how you’re impressed
That I know Horace comes before Descartes;
Ah, you’re the one. The rest are just the rest.
–
I like you very much — I’d be distressed
At anything that kept us two apart.
Of all my readers I like you the best;
Yes, you’re the one: the rest are just the rest.
Marcus Bales lives and works in Cleveland, Ohio
