"Reader, Why I Married My Harlequin" [by Molly Arden]

My Harlequin

Reader, this is why I married him, my harelquin,
At the Punch-and-Judy stand amid children's din.

Ok. Here's why. Because he hollers at the TV set
I believe in America, the underfaker said (stet).

And he throws beer cans at the TV set.
Do I have to tell you about every offer I get?

He buys the SI swimsuit issue and keeps them all.
How did things ever get this far? It's all

Because of what we did in the car.
No shame, no games, just a late-model used car.

Also, because he doesn't look like a scared rabbit
And we don't discuss business with George Babbitt. 

I went to "the Copacabana School of Dramatic Art,"
And got the part. He gave me a new smart

Phone, and sang "I'm not that clever, I just adore you,"
To me, and to me alone! (It's true, too.)

(2019)

Comments

[jim c]

In the presence of the woman we love, none of us is clever. Wonderful, sweet poem, Molly.

[Tricia McCallum]

He buys the SI swimsuit issue and keeps them all.
How did things ever get this far?

Tough questions indeed. Thank you for reminding us of them, Molly.