I Laughed At Your French, Paulette

it was Fraizer’s fault
i forgot the line but i got
a right out laugh at the French

yes you know how to woo
romantically
for various favors
from the ladies

was i laughing at your nationality
or your culture? there is
yes of course
variety in France?

the southern belle said,
“He wanted me to be a whore in the bedroom
and a lady in the parlor.”

but that’s another story.
or is it?

this is another story
for the end of the beginning

he was my hero
once or twice
close enough to hear
a thought or two

now i’m not blue
so far and time away

it is the dusk of another day in June
jasmine
indoors and out doors
are in bloom
crickets follow
the night birds’ song

i think i’m alone now

but i won’t be alone for long