IAMBIC INADEQUATE

The face that says he’ll suffer for his art,
The goatee beard, the shabby pair of cords,
The vacant look. It all sets him apart
And tells you clearly: here’s a man of words.

The poetry? It really can’t excuse
His being naff. The writing is an act.
He says he gives his worship to the Muse.
She doesn’t seem too taken with the fact.

A sacrifice for art? Well, it depends
On what you mean. He’s always been aloof.
He never was much good at making friends
(He really isn’t all that good at life).

And one more awkward fact can’t be denied -
He couldn’t get a girlfriend if he tried.

© D. Whippman

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