I Don’t Need Charitable Thoughts from Other Men after Shopping in Oxfam
Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem
For Henry
Who doesn’t like a bargain and great style
In dressing? Well, perhaps most men don’t care
About their clothes except they shy away a mile
(Or more) from anything to do with hair
Or clothes that might reduce their macho strength
In other people’s eyes. They wear their grey,
Black, blue, and brown, and go to any length
To signal that they’re guys. Another way
Can be enjoyed. I know I have both balls and cock
And that’s enough for me. I search in shops
For bargains that leave other guys in shock.
I do not need to use the boring props
Of masculinity. I dress with flair . . .
And what the others think . . . I do not care.
The Verities of Spending with Goodwill and Élan
In shops that raise the funds for charities
You find the most amazing bargains when
You have the taste and style. Cheap rarities
Are offered. Some will make you shout Amen
If scoring, for a song, Valentinos.
You pay to help the blind as when you make
A tiny gift supporting bambinos
Without a home. Your heart can have its cake
And eat it, both. You walk out with a coat
To stun the masses made of pony skin
Or maybe a fur shoulder bag of goat
Skin. You can feel you haven’t caused a sin
Because the poor beasts died a long, long time
Ago and you have helped without a crime.
~ Phillip Whidden