“gentle shock of mild surprise” ~ Thomas De Quincey

A piece of writing that delivers mild

Enjoyment must appeal to some like those

Who study T. S. Eliot.  A wild

Container holding gooseberry jam glows

For some, though palely, I suppose.  A taste

Can be developed for . . . well, just about

Preserves of any fruit.  Anchovy paste

Is loved by some, so verse that comes from pout

Of academic lips will be delight

To scholars, maybe.  Who am I to judge?

I simply do not want to have to fight

Through all his prissiness and footnotes’ sludge.

  “Porphyria’s Lover” ain’t my cup of

    Tea.  Anyhow, I favor lines with shove.

~ Phillip Whidden