A series of selfie sonnets: Part 1

“ My soul is rescued from the love of these trifles…”
—Anne Finch, Countess of Winchilsea (1661-1720)

A Senior Citizen Selfie
A third rate poets selfie becomes blunt “si quid mea carmina possunt” ‘if my songs are of any avail’—Aeneid of Virgil

as snow grows on my head and face
I turn my eyes upward pondering space
my pleasures are many and many I have
enough to go with me till I enter my grave
beer whiskey and wine with relish I taste
and nary a drop of it do I spill or waste
if they are unavailable on music I can live
for all the inspiration and delight that it gives.
in my nights the Milky Way galaxy is displayed
what a wonderful sight when meteors invade.
in the hot tropic sun skin cancers are made
in my retirement I tend to seek out the shade.

(on Tinian, Wednesday, November 8, 2017)
 
Senior Selfie: Bats in my Belfry
Chimes and bells for heaven and hells of freedom
ringing out around the world oceans todo globo
deaf governments need hearing aids to hear them
sympatico sounds from followers of Quasimodo
many bats fly in the sky every evening at sunset
coming to their home above the church to roost
their fresh guano droppings give gardens a boost
rabies found among some bats strike terror in
many people while these little mammals who
pretend to be birds warm other bat fans hearts
underneath bridges and overpasses, railroad
trestles and in barns the bats across America
by the millions settle upside down and nestle
while I a bit crazy upstairs with wisdom wrestle.
 
Where is Narcissism Bred
—inspired by Bassiano’s song, “Tell Me Where is Fancy Bred” in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare
 
Do tell please where is narcissism bred
is it in broken hearts or an egotistic head
how did it start and how is it nourished
reply reply please give us some replies
from mental mirrors in through the eyes
into a swelled head as no real surprise
answers answers some different answers
boiling in the blood a conceit filled cancer
solidified in golden glory by a gilded glancer
more more we would like to hear some more
narcissism is a nascent self revolving door
going round and round as the self sees more
when somewhat satisfied looking at themself
narcissists trophies go high on their selfish shelf