The Famous Poet's Wife Poem by Eric Paul Shaffer

The Famous Poet's Wife



At the podium, the famous poet is having sex with his wife
in the poem he reads tonight. He uses the four-letter word.

The act is all ankles and elbows, slits and staffs, grunting,
sweating, and unnaturally assumed positions. Naturally,
I'm embarrassed because I can see the famous poet's wife

squirming in her chair as he caresses the heft of her breast,
the eager spread of her knees, and a tiny, beautiful blemish

none of us will ever see. Handy with his tongue, he speaks
of that moment her thighs muffled his ears in her passion

and lingers on a lonely moment when her rush of pleasure
left him behind. The ladies are glassy-eyed. The men nod
and grin. I'm shifting in my seat. The famous poet's wife

sighs as the last line kisses the poet's lips. Some of us clap,
and the applause raises her husband's head from his work.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM

Eric! I missed you! ! ! This is a fabulous read as always....(is it hot in here? !) Thanks for sharing.

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Joe Breunig 13 August 2006

An intriguing write; is it a tribute to Gershon Hepner and his wife Linda?

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Padraic O' Reilly 12 August 2006

Incredible work with great imagery and feeling. Thanks, this was a great read

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Lori Boulard 12 August 2006

Wow, Eric, this is quite a departure from an upcountry meditation. Then again, I guess that depends on what you consider meditation! Your freshness and point of view are as sharp as ever, and you show some humor with this one as well. I like it. It's good to see you here on PH again. Cheers, Lori

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