The Four-Armed Carbon Poem by Herbert Nehrlich

There is a slight and ever so belated flutter
you wake, all-startled, pupils large as silver moons,
I know you're not a morning girl and yet you dare and utter
'turn on the telly, darling, let them watch cartoons.'

I have been sitting here, invading if you will,
your space, your privacy, I know you do not mind.
I watched you breathe my darling, glad you are not ill
it is a pleasure to observe your cute behind
as it goes up and down slow motion, so it must
you turn a dozen times throughout this valued night
I sit on vinyl and just watch you, full of lust
you are a presence, sweetheart, and a special sight.

I've made you breakfast back at home and here it is,
all clad in foil, kept warm and what you'd eat with me.
There is more stuff inside the esky, yes, it's his
we all were worried about you, and the worst was me.

May I take home you, little darling, I shall be
the perfect carer and your soulmate as before,
you, being carbon, have four arms to smother me
and I will always (as you gathered) ask for more.