Patrick O
In profile he’s as handsome in the face
As man can be, his nose as straight and strong
As something made for marble but with grace
Of nostrils stone could never even long
To have. The chin has manly power, too,
So sure in shapeliness it gives new length
To words like masculinity and new
Proportion to their meanings, yielding strength
More powerful than straightness can achieve.
The beard upon his upper lip and chin
Is black as Inca emperors might grieve
To grow, as sharp as flash of marlin fin.
Full on his visage, though, reveals the fraud,
Is ugly as a rotted cacao pod.