Cool as a Thick-haired Cucumber
“I have need to busy my heart with quietude.” ~ Rupert Brooke
James suffered like a teenybopper lass
In love with manufactured pop star guys.
He hovered like an altar boy at mass
Outside the poet’s rooms. He hoped his eyes
Would see the lamp go on and then at least
Be sure the Presence and its holiness
Were near him. James was lesser than a priest,
A lowly worshipper. His lowliness
Compared to Rupert was like Shakespeare in
His sonnets begging both the boy and shared
Dark Lady for a chance. James didn’t win.
He only sorrowed and looked up and stared.
One time James met and asked him in the street
If he would call. He said “perhaps” they’d meet.
~ Phillip Whidden
