King Henry VIII sign (Oast House Archive)Poetry Challenge: Anachro-Poem The Society April 4, 2025 Culture, Poetry, Poetry Challenge 39 Comments . Challenge: Take a well-known figure from history or literature and insert him or her into a modern-day situation. Choose any form. Choose any mood. I hope you enjoy my example below. I hope you have as much fun creating your poem as I had composing mine. —Susan Jarvis Bryant . Henry VIII at The Dancing Ferret, Circa Last Friday He swept in for a swift and sumptuous lunchWith feather-capped and ermine-edged panache.He’d had a sudden savage urge to munch—To eat a beast-size feast—to dine then dash.He nuzzled and he squeezed his comely queenWho kept her head when hubby grew obscene. His stomach growled for spit-roast, fig-fed pigStuffed with tubby ducks and half a calf,A butter-battered swan glazed with a swigOf bramble brew. He bellowed for the staffTo sate his appetite with meaty fareCommencing with a pheasant and a hare. The barman recommended kale paniniInfused with flair so vegan-friendly freshIt topped the Pickled Parrot’s bean linguini,And by the way, the tavern served no flesh.Right then a keg of booze and bile spilled—The chef was soaked in amber ale and grilled. . . NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. ***Read Our Comments Policy Here*** 39 Responses Roy Eugene Peterson April 4, 2025 Susan, your incomparable humorous poem certainly sets the tone! If we can even come up with half as good and witty, we will call ourselves fortunate. Reply jd April 4, 2025 Loved it, Susan. I won’t dwell too long on the final line. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 4, 2025 Thank you very much, jd. I’m glad you liked it. I agree – that final line is rather nasty – in keeping with one of England’s naughtiest kings. Reply Roy Eugene Peterson April 4, 2025 ROY ROGERS DROVE A PINTO By Roy E. Peterson (April 4, 2025) Roy Rogers drove a Pinto painted palomino gold. It had a hundred horses, although it was growing old. He traded for a Mustang when the Pinto fell apart. It seems the Pinto failed him, and the engine wouldn’t start. Reply Mike Bryant April 4, 2025 Hey Roy, I love this reminiscence of Roy Rogers. I never missed his show. I just found out that he died in ‘98 so it’s possible that he really did drive those cars! Love it… Reply Roy Eugene Peterson April 4, 2025 Mike, I had no idea Roy Rogers died in 1998. I thought he was gone by the 1960’s. Thank you for sharing that with me. Susan Jarvis Bryant April 4, 2025 Great stuff, Roy! I especially love the alliterative opening line! Reply Roy Eugene Peterson April 4, 2025 CAPTAIN MORGAN IS A BUCCANEER By Roy E. Peterson (April 4, 2025) Captain Morgan is a buccaneer ___who lives in Tampa Bay. He loves to drink rum named for him ___and pretty women at play. He loves to view their treasured chests. ___He thinks it is his duty. When he gets lonely late at night, ___he pays gold for their booty. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 4, 2025 This reads like a saucy sea shanty. Great fun! Reply Mark Stellinga April 4, 2025 Cool project, Susan – here’s a Wyatt Earp-er of sorts – HEADLINE – ‘Earp Jails Nasty-Jack For Vandalism’ Billy Bob and Betty Bob was guzzlin’ hooch at ‘Rusty’s’ when a dude the size o’ Uruguay come thunderin’ through the door. He made his way to the slot machines – obviously mad as hell – and picked one up above his head an’ slammed it to the floor! Curly, the barkeep… lookin’ like he’d pret’ near filled his shorts… grabbed himself a double-barrel an’ shouted — “Put that back!” Right ’bout then a customer — figurin’ he didn’t know — tried to warn him… “Careful, Curly… that there’s – ‘Nasty-Jack’!” Nasty Jack was a legendary rattlesnake from Yuma. There weren’t no one for miles around that dared to cross this dude. A walkin’ pile o’ filthy talk that’d make a sailor blush — and, rumor had it – believe it or not — he swallered what he chewed!! Well, the slot machine weren’t hurt the least, but – starin’ down the barkeep, Jack done figured — fightin’ a shotgun ain’t no small affair! But not the sort to give up easy, “Lookie here,” he roared — “that damn ‘one-armed-bandit’ is a thief… an’ I don’t care “If you, or any other fool — double-barrel or not — figures I ain’t got the right fer gittin’ back what’s mine! That there slot, I swear, has stole near half o’ what I’ve earned robbin’ banks – cheatin’ at cards – an’ sellin’ homemade shine!” Then raisin’ it up above his head to slam it down again – “Come on, Curly, gimme a break,” the ornery sucker whined, When… all of a sudden… seein’ the crowd racin’ outta Rusty’s – (plus bein’ the place that he, an’ brother Virgil, often dined) – Marshall Earp come crashin’ in an’ quickly seen the reason. “Listen up, Muldoon,” he roared… “what the hell ya’ doin? You ain’t got no business tryin’ to bust up that machine considerin’ all the people that – for ages – you’ve been screwin’! “Now… set it down real easy like and turn and face the wall, ‘cause standin’ up – or layin’ down – I’m haulin’ your ass in! Every dime you’ve fed that thing was made by doin’ crime, and you’re – without a doubt – the biggest crook there’s ever been!” Reply Mike Bryant April 4, 2025 We could use ol’ Wyatt here in Texas ‘bout now. Reply Mark Stellinga April 5, 2025 And Marshall Dillon, Bat Masterson, the Lone Ranger, Sugar Foot, Palladin, all the Cartwrights, the Big Valley boys, Joe Friday & Bill Gannon – even Elliot Ness, to name a few others, and virtually any Jim Rockford or Dirty Harry clone. Thanks, Mike Susan Jarvis Bryant April 4, 2025 Thank you for this fun, poetic romp, Mark! Reply Joseph S. Salemi April 4, 2025 Henry VIII at a vegan restaurant? What a wild concept, Susan! For once I am thoroughly pleased by the King’s savage response when he doesn’t get his way. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 4, 2025 It was a tossup between, Henry down the local pub, Cleopatra in Walmart’s, and Lady Macbeth at the laundromat. The meat-eating regal beast won! Reply Joseph S. Salemi April 4, 2025 This one is not quite “anachro-” but it does deal with a modern-day situation. Hillary Clinton Becomes a Trannie My husband says I’m tough as nails, My tantrums are like squalls — They say I’ve got testosterone, So why not get the balls? If I were male, my enemies Would say that I’m a prick — Well, why not make the language match And get myself a dick? I think I’ll schedule surgery To lop off these two tits — I’ll build my upper-body strength And work out with the mitts. A crew-cut and some dungarees, A pair of hiking boots, And I can swagger down the street With all the big galoots. I’ll chug-a-lug a stein of beer, I’ll do pushups and curls — And nobody will ever know That I belong with girls. And though I never got to be The first damned female Prez — At least the world won’t take me for Some floral-scented lez. Reply Mike Bryant April 4, 2025 Then she could make many other fortunes in male dominated sports! She might not win on the field… at least at first, but I’m pretty sure she would eventually be the best at every male sport around! Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 4, 2025 Utterly hilarious!! Thank you!! Reply Brian Yapko April 4, 2025 This one almost made me choke from laughing, Joe. Reply Cynthia Erlandson April 5, 2025 Wow, you really went for it, Joseph! Hilarious, indeed! Reply Roy Eugene Peterson April 4, 2025 MY FRIEND, THE BARD By Roy E. Peterson (April 4, 2025) My good friend is a poet ___and a great playwriter too. He writes about my hamlet ___and what people there may do. One of his greatest hits is of ___a peeper named King Lear. Perhaps you have guessed my good friends name. ___It is Will Shakespeare. Will likes to write love sonnets. It’s what he spends his days on. He also sells cosmetics. He’s called the Bard of Avon. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 4, 2025 Roy, after this delightful piece of quirk, I will never be able to refer to dear old Will as the Bard of Avon without imagining him in a lick of mascara and lipstick. Thank you! Reply Cynthia Erlandson April 5, 2025 You made me laugh, Roy! What fun! Reply Brian Yapko April 4, 2025 Excellent poem, Susan! So funny! Here is my anachro contribution: WALT DISNEY WATCHES THE NEW “SNOW WHITE” What wicked curse has brought me to this age — To see the studio which bears my name Become a source of angry, leftist rage, Abusive of my good intent and fame! How come I here to 2025? Some evil spell was cast to halt my rest And force me to see Snow White come alive But with no soul — like Frankenstein depressed. Forgive me but I must say things unkind – Untalented producers now get rich On my ideas — but loathsome, coarse and blind. And who in hell’s this Rachel Zegler bitch? This spoiled, angry actress who’s miscast, Who hates this tale, who hates the color white Who calls “true love” a relic of the past, And turns my world of magic into blight! A nightmare has been crafted from my dreams! My name now stands for social engineers Devoid of innocence but strong on schemes To play on prejudices, hates and fears. What is this need to turn white into black, And blemish magic fairy-light with dapples? That’s it! Call Props and tell them Walt is back. We’re going to need a lot more poison apples! : Reply Mike Bryant April 4, 2025 Mannnnn, Brian, VERY FUNNY… and I’m sure exactly what Walt would do. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 4, 2025 Brian, this is a tour de force of a challenge entry – spot on satire that packs a poison-apple punch. What more could I ask for? Thank you! Reply Joseph S. Salemi April 5, 2025 Brian, word is that Zegler’s “Snow White” is a box-office disaster, and one consequence is that the Disney studio has “paused” (i.e. postponed) all work on their proposed live-action remake of the Rapunzel story, because they are scared that it will be another left-liberal woke flop. If they’re smart, they’ll chuck all the script and shooting that ‘s been done so far on the Rapunzel project, and do something sane to create a popular film. But my bet is that they won’t. The company is jackrabbit terrified of its employees and creative staff, the great majority of whom are brainless and fanatical left-liberals. When will American corporations finally realize that PERSONNEL IS POLICY? Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 4, 2025 I couldn’t resist writing one more in a satirical vein. I’ve had to alter the format to fit the poem in the comments box. I hope it makes you laugh… then hand wring: Story Time with Caligula He flounced in fierce and frilly at the library’s request in sheerest silken threads of purple hue. His frock had failed to veil his tail – he sailed in underdressed revealing more than tots are wont to view. With kohl-rimmed eyes a-roving and a blush of neon rose, in satin slippers decked with pearls of pink, with swirls of curls cascading from his laurel crown to toes, this emperor gave kids a skittish wink. Bluebeard was the story on that torrid afternoon. It rang with naked fervor smeared with smut. The rainbow rabble reveled in the louche lips of a loon. The history buffs prayed story time was cut. Reply Mark Stellinga April 5, 2025 Hard to beat this one, Susan – though there are several excellent entries. Thanks for the challenge – 🙂 Reply Roy Eugene Peterson April 5, 2025 You really fit Caligula perfectly from the past into this modern depraved world. Brian’s historical note was horrifying. Reply Joseph S. Salemi April 5, 2025 Ha! The Emperor Caligula was one helluva piece of work, to be sure. He was cruel, murderous, and probably insane. Re-imagining him as some drag queen holding a story hour in a modern schoolroom is an inspired idea — funny, but also scary. Reply Brian Yapko April 4, 2025 To present a depraved Roman Emperor reading stories to children is inspired, Susan! There’s an interesting historical resonance here because Caligula was raised by his Great Uncle Tiberius who was a rather noteworthy pedophile. I don’t know if Caligula was as well, but it was rumored (if unproven) that Tiberius and his much younger charge Caligula had incestuous relations. Tiberius liked to swim in his pool in Capri and have very young children swim about him and between his thighs attending to his pleasures. He called them his “little minnows.” I was reminded of those poor “little minnows” when I read your poem. Reply Mia April 5, 2025 Dear Susan , Thank you for this challenge. I have had fun reading your excellent poem and all the worthy contributions But what a difficult challenge! the best I could do is the following Alors, je suis la, mon amie, Marie Antoinette, Queen, To think I have been viewed with hate, A figure of derision, a frivolous fake For an innocent remark made in good faith. If they have no bread, let them eat cake, Alors, what is wrong with that Offering an alternative until the crisis passed. Look at them now! Stuffing their face, Given bugs to eat, all without trace, With lashings of monosodium glutamate. Are there revolutions, or madame guillotine, Non! Unbelievably, I lost my head with this ! Why? Cherchez Moi! Merci. Non, they are as docile as petite lap -dogs, Only large , to keep them happy and rotund, Fed on sugar and on lard. Mon Amie, what is that if not cake! Voila! I have been vindicated. Make no mistake, Now I deserve my place in history Revised, n’est-ce pas! Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 5, 2025 Mia, thank you very much for this inspired poem. I love the smattering of French throughout to add to the atmosphere. Marie Antoinette’s story has always saddened and intrigued me. You capture the very essence of her character here. Thank you! Reply Mia April 6, 2025 Thank you Susan and thank you Mike. I really appreciate all your help and encouragement. Julian D. Woodruff April 6, 2025 I don’t know that I’ll have the time (and not sure I have the imagination!) to answer Susa’s challenge, but thank you to those who did so, especially Roy. Roy, yours are worthy of Nash, Mercer, and Gilbert at their best. Reply Julian D. Woodruff April 7, 2025 After all … “Doc” Martin’s still with us, now how can that be? It seems she dropped in from the last century, or even the one before that, I dare say. Oh, what must she think of our doings today? She’d make Edith Wharton such fine company, discussing New Yorkers on some balcony, o’erlooking the Hudson or maybe the Seine, lamenting the state of things (even back then!). Her views, from the page, couched in skilled understatement, her word’s often one of incisive beratement. It’s needed, she’s given it. Fly high the banners, you brides, boorish, grooms, overstressed wedding planners, for etiquette’s doyenne, our decorous Miss Manners. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 8, 2025 Julian, I’m so glad you had the time to join in with this gem. One of my pet peeves is rudeness and you deal with subject of etiquette superbly with your beautifully conceived piece. Thank you! Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Roy Eugene Peterson April 4, 2025 Susan, your incomparable humorous poem certainly sets the tone! If we can even come up with half as good and witty, we will call ourselves fortunate. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 4, 2025 Thank you very much, jd. I’m glad you liked it. I agree – that final line is rather nasty – in keeping with one of England’s naughtiest kings. Reply
Roy Eugene Peterson April 4, 2025 ROY ROGERS DROVE A PINTO By Roy E. Peterson (April 4, 2025) Roy Rogers drove a Pinto painted palomino gold. It had a hundred horses, although it was growing old. He traded for a Mustang when the Pinto fell apart. It seems the Pinto failed him, and the engine wouldn’t start. Reply
Mike Bryant April 4, 2025 Hey Roy, I love this reminiscence of Roy Rogers. I never missed his show. I just found out that he died in ‘98 so it’s possible that he really did drive those cars! Love it… Reply
Roy Eugene Peterson April 4, 2025 Mike, I had no idea Roy Rogers died in 1998. I thought he was gone by the 1960’s. Thank you for sharing that with me.
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 4, 2025 Great stuff, Roy! I especially love the alliterative opening line! Reply
Roy Eugene Peterson April 4, 2025 CAPTAIN MORGAN IS A BUCCANEER By Roy E. Peterson (April 4, 2025) Captain Morgan is a buccaneer ___who lives in Tampa Bay. He loves to drink rum named for him ___and pretty women at play. He loves to view their treasured chests. ___He thinks it is his duty. When he gets lonely late at night, ___he pays gold for their booty. Reply
Mark Stellinga April 4, 2025 Cool project, Susan – here’s a Wyatt Earp-er of sorts – HEADLINE – ‘Earp Jails Nasty-Jack For Vandalism’ Billy Bob and Betty Bob was guzzlin’ hooch at ‘Rusty’s’ when a dude the size o’ Uruguay come thunderin’ through the door. He made his way to the slot machines – obviously mad as hell – and picked one up above his head an’ slammed it to the floor! Curly, the barkeep… lookin’ like he’d pret’ near filled his shorts… grabbed himself a double-barrel an’ shouted — “Put that back!” Right ’bout then a customer — figurin’ he didn’t know — tried to warn him… “Careful, Curly… that there’s – ‘Nasty-Jack’!” Nasty Jack was a legendary rattlesnake from Yuma. There weren’t no one for miles around that dared to cross this dude. A walkin’ pile o’ filthy talk that’d make a sailor blush — and, rumor had it – believe it or not — he swallered what he chewed!! Well, the slot machine weren’t hurt the least, but – starin’ down the barkeep, Jack done figured — fightin’ a shotgun ain’t no small affair! But not the sort to give up easy, “Lookie here,” he roared — “that damn ‘one-armed-bandit’ is a thief… an’ I don’t care “If you, or any other fool — double-barrel or not — figures I ain’t got the right fer gittin’ back what’s mine! That there slot, I swear, has stole near half o’ what I’ve earned robbin’ banks – cheatin’ at cards – an’ sellin’ homemade shine!” Then raisin’ it up above his head to slam it down again – “Come on, Curly, gimme a break,” the ornery sucker whined, When… all of a sudden… seein’ the crowd racin’ outta Rusty’s – (plus bein’ the place that he, an’ brother Virgil, often dined) – Marshall Earp come crashin’ in an’ quickly seen the reason. “Listen up, Muldoon,” he roared… “what the hell ya’ doin? You ain’t got no business tryin’ to bust up that machine considerin’ all the people that – for ages – you’ve been screwin’! “Now… set it down real easy like and turn and face the wall, ‘cause standin’ up – or layin’ down – I’m haulin’ your ass in! Every dime you’ve fed that thing was made by doin’ crime, and you’re – without a doubt – the biggest crook there’s ever been!” Reply
Mark Stellinga April 5, 2025 And Marshall Dillon, Bat Masterson, the Lone Ranger, Sugar Foot, Palladin, all the Cartwrights, the Big Valley boys, Joe Friday & Bill Gannon – even Elliot Ness, to name a few others, and virtually any Jim Rockford or Dirty Harry clone. Thanks, Mike
Joseph S. Salemi April 4, 2025 Henry VIII at a vegan restaurant? What a wild concept, Susan! For once I am thoroughly pleased by the King’s savage response when he doesn’t get his way. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 4, 2025 It was a tossup between, Henry down the local pub, Cleopatra in Walmart’s, and Lady Macbeth at the laundromat. The meat-eating regal beast won! Reply
Joseph S. Salemi April 4, 2025 This one is not quite “anachro-” but it does deal with a modern-day situation. Hillary Clinton Becomes a Trannie My husband says I’m tough as nails, My tantrums are like squalls — They say I’ve got testosterone, So why not get the balls? If I were male, my enemies Would say that I’m a prick — Well, why not make the language match And get myself a dick? I think I’ll schedule surgery To lop off these two tits — I’ll build my upper-body strength And work out with the mitts. A crew-cut and some dungarees, A pair of hiking boots, And I can swagger down the street With all the big galoots. I’ll chug-a-lug a stein of beer, I’ll do pushups and curls — And nobody will ever know That I belong with girls. And though I never got to be The first damned female Prez — At least the world won’t take me for Some floral-scented lez. Reply
Mike Bryant April 4, 2025 Then she could make many other fortunes in male dominated sports! She might not win on the field… at least at first, but I’m pretty sure she would eventually be the best at every male sport around! Reply
Roy Eugene Peterson April 4, 2025 MY FRIEND, THE BARD By Roy E. Peterson (April 4, 2025) My good friend is a poet ___and a great playwriter too. He writes about my hamlet ___and what people there may do. One of his greatest hits is of ___a peeper named King Lear. Perhaps you have guessed my good friends name. ___It is Will Shakespeare. Will likes to write love sonnets. It’s what he spends his days on. He also sells cosmetics. He’s called the Bard of Avon. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 4, 2025 Roy, after this delightful piece of quirk, I will never be able to refer to dear old Will as the Bard of Avon without imagining him in a lick of mascara and lipstick. Thank you! Reply
Brian Yapko April 4, 2025 Excellent poem, Susan! So funny! Here is my anachro contribution: WALT DISNEY WATCHES THE NEW “SNOW WHITE” What wicked curse has brought me to this age — To see the studio which bears my name Become a source of angry, leftist rage, Abusive of my good intent and fame! How come I here to 2025? Some evil spell was cast to halt my rest And force me to see Snow White come alive But with no soul — like Frankenstein depressed. Forgive me but I must say things unkind – Untalented producers now get rich On my ideas — but loathsome, coarse and blind. And who in hell’s this Rachel Zegler bitch? This spoiled, angry actress who’s miscast, Who hates this tale, who hates the color white Who calls “true love” a relic of the past, And turns my world of magic into blight! A nightmare has been crafted from my dreams! My name now stands for social engineers Devoid of innocence but strong on schemes To play on prejudices, hates and fears. What is this need to turn white into black, And blemish magic fairy-light with dapples? That’s it! Call Props and tell them Walt is back. We’re going to need a lot more poison apples! : Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 4, 2025 Brian, this is a tour de force of a challenge entry – spot on satire that packs a poison-apple punch. What more could I ask for? Thank you! Reply
Joseph S. Salemi April 5, 2025 Brian, word is that Zegler’s “Snow White” is a box-office disaster, and one consequence is that the Disney studio has “paused” (i.e. postponed) all work on their proposed live-action remake of the Rapunzel story, because they are scared that it will be another left-liberal woke flop. If they’re smart, they’ll chuck all the script and shooting that ‘s been done so far on the Rapunzel project, and do something sane to create a popular film. But my bet is that they won’t. The company is jackrabbit terrified of its employees and creative staff, the great majority of whom are brainless and fanatical left-liberals. When will American corporations finally realize that PERSONNEL IS POLICY? Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 4, 2025 I couldn’t resist writing one more in a satirical vein. I’ve had to alter the format to fit the poem in the comments box. I hope it makes you laugh… then hand wring: Story Time with Caligula He flounced in fierce and frilly at the library’s request in sheerest silken threads of purple hue. His frock had failed to veil his tail – he sailed in underdressed revealing more than tots are wont to view. With kohl-rimmed eyes a-roving and a blush of neon rose, in satin slippers decked with pearls of pink, with swirls of curls cascading from his laurel crown to toes, this emperor gave kids a skittish wink. Bluebeard was the story on that torrid afternoon. It rang with naked fervor smeared with smut. The rainbow rabble reveled in the louche lips of a loon. The history buffs prayed story time was cut. Reply
Mark Stellinga April 5, 2025 Hard to beat this one, Susan – though there are several excellent entries. Thanks for the challenge – 🙂 Reply
Roy Eugene Peterson April 5, 2025 You really fit Caligula perfectly from the past into this modern depraved world. Brian’s historical note was horrifying. Reply
Joseph S. Salemi April 5, 2025 Ha! The Emperor Caligula was one helluva piece of work, to be sure. He was cruel, murderous, and probably insane. Re-imagining him as some drag queen holding a story hour in a modern schoolroom is an inspired idea — funny, but also scary. Reply
Brian Yapko April 4, 2025 To present a depraved Roman Emperor reading stories to children is inspired, Susan! There’s an interesting historical resonance here because Caligula was raised by his Great Uncle Tiberius who was a rather noteworthy pedophile. I don’t know if Caligula was as well, but it was rumored (if unproven) that Tiberius and his much younger charge Caligula had incestuous relations. Tiberius liked to swim in his pool in Capri and have very young children swim about him and between his thighs attending to his pleasures. He called them his “little minnows.” I was reminded of those poor “little minnows” when I read your poem. Reply
Mia April 5, 2025 Dear Susan , Thank you for this challenge. I have had fun reading your excellent poem and all the worthy contributions But what a difficult challenge! the best I could do is the following Alors, je suis la, mon amie, Marie Antoinette, Queen, To think I have been viewed with hate, A figure of derision, a frivolous fake For an innocent remark made in good faith. If they have no bread, let them eat cake, Alors, what is wrong with that Offering an alternative until the crisis passed. Look at them now! Stuffing their face, Given bugs to eat, all without trace, With lashings of monosodium glutamate. Are there revolutions, or madame guillotine, Non! Unbelievably, I lost my head with this ! Why? Cherchez Moi! Merci. Non, they are as docile as petite lap -dogs, Only large , to keep them happy and rotund, Fed on sugar and on lard. Mon Amie, what is that if not cake! Voila! I have been vindicated. Make no mistake, Now I deserve my place in history Revised, n’est-ce pas! Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 5, 2025 Mia, thank you very much for this inspired poem. I love the smattering of French throughout to add to the atmosphere. Marie Antoinette’s story has always saddened and intrigued me. You capture the very essence of her character here. Thank you! Reply
Mia April 6, 2025 Thank you Susan and thank you Mike. I really appreciate all your help and encouragement.
Julian D. Woodruff April 6, 2025 I don’t know that I’ll have the time (and not sure I have the imagination!) to answer Susa’s challenge, but thank you to those who did so, especially Roy. Roy, yours are worthy of Nash, Mercer, and Gilbert at their best. Reply
Julian D. Woodruff April 7, 2025 After all … “Doc” Martin’s still with us, now how can that be? It seems she dropped in from the last century, or even the one before that, I dare say. Oh, what must she think of our doings today? She’d make Edith Wharton such fine company, discussing New Yorkers on some balcony, o’erlooking the Hudson or maybe the Seine, lamenting the state of things (even back then!). Her views, from the page, couched in skilled understatement, her word’s often one of incisive beratement. It’s needed, she’s given it. Fly high the banners, you brides, boorish, grooms, overstressed wedding planners, for etiquette’s doyenne, our decorous Miss Manners. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 8, 2025 Julian, I’m so glad you had the time to join in with this gem. One of my pet peeves is rudeness and you deal with subject of etiquette superbly with your beautifully conceived piece. Thank you! Reply