OVATION FOR OVID

Ovid’s birthday today, that crafty Roman

poet mainly known for “Metamorphoses”,

tracing world history from creation

to Julius Caesar. But let me praise, please,

his “Ars Amatoria” – The Art of Love --

showing me how to find a woman, or

woman how to win a man. Gods above!

His simple guide still in play for lovers!

Don’t forget her birthday. Never ask your date

her age. Let her miss you…but not too long. Then

after you fight, “making up, but in private”.

Simultaneous orgasm. Hey, man!

Who needs Kinsey or Alex Comfort? Give

me an ancient Roman to learn how to live!

 

Roger Armbrust

March 20, 2023

 

TULIPS

You want to cup them in your hands, don’t you,

their layered petals inviting caress.

Their colors rainbow-varied, rich, as if viewed

only by royalty, fabric to dress

a queen. Their name derives, it seems, from

a Persian word for “turban”. You see it,

don’t you, how it wraps the stem’s head. How red

ones respond to sun like an open heart.

There in the garden, your open heart and

arms caress your daughter like a bouquet

of flowers. I recall a distant land

long ago, embracing my daughter that way.

She was younger then than your Grace, our smiles

at ease, unaware what precious memories.

 

Roger Armbrust

March 18, 2023