06/09/2025
https://wix.to/HVkhm4w
ALAS POOR POET, I KNEW HIM WELL.
I came across an old anthology of poems and was struck by how much, when you first start writing poetry, you tend to write about those poets who first inspired you to write. One of these was John Donne (1572-1631). Famous for writing romantic, erotic love poems among his other metaphysical works. Problem: because of the Royal Chamberlain, works of this nature often had to be in code; otherwise, 'ye heade would be severed from ye body.' But, with 'On his mistress going to bed.' Donne seems to have thrown caution to the winds. As the poem's subject is so thinly disguised as to be nearly invisible. Anyway, he kept his head. This brings me back to the beginning, where I pay homage to John Donne.
WARNING: YOU MAY WISH TO SIT DOWN FOR THIS.
The Old Coffee Pot (An ode to John Donne)
A glint turns my eye to look upon a shelf
Inert, your lifeless form belies the secrets which you hold
Come old faithful friend
Abide with me awhile
Open your spout to my musings
Let my senses dance to your aroma
Sweet Araby
Noble Colombia
From your rust encrusted entrails
with gurgle, splash and gusto
Ingredients mixed, water
added. Transformed
Pour forth your frothy effervescence
Let my taste buds tingle
with your sensual delight
Old chum, old faithful
Old coffee coruscation
I did warn you. Now if you are really good, I'll inflict another one on you next week.
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