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Collected Poems

Mr Pyrites

Mr Pyrites

In posture and gesture he is suave and cool
as the sodomist in charge of a Sunday school.

            He clings like a limpet,
            he sings like a trumpet,
            his manners are nice
            and his heart is blue ice.

            He loves like a ferret
            and speaks like a parrot,
            his navel is full
            of the rubbings of wool.

            He lisps like a neuter,
            sips ale from his pewter,
            and treads down the street
            like a tabby on heat.

            On tiptoe at Easter
            he crows like a rooster,
            then falls on his knees
            to his God and gives praise.

page 112

            He's yes to his betters,
            duress to his debtors,
            white smiles are his eyes
            and his oaths are all lies.

On Doomsday the angels will lift up their nighties
and wipe away tears for Mr Pyrites.