For Jen and Maiko

Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem

I wore a fake tiara once for both

Of them, for students from my past.

It was as if I then fulfilled my oath

(Unspoken oath).  One’s father was aghast

Inside the gallery of art from years

Much farther back in eras far beyond

Our silliness and fun.  Like L.A. queers

We simpered.  We were giggling fools and fond

As early teen schoolgirls about a boy

Named Brad, or Butch, whatever.  No excuse

Was offered anywhere about the toy

Crown diamantes.  “Sorries” were no use.

  Frivolities can only last so long —   —

    Like Liberace I have flopped to pong.

©  Phillip Whidden