Without Drawbacks [rev.] Poem by Margaret Alice Second

There’s a reverent silence in the open-plan,
earphones not needed, no music lifting me
into the ether; whispering to Annette - with
Mimi gone, there’s no rising & falling voice
in the background, the only sound heard is
my cooler and our laughter on discovering
Mme Pompadour’s message of - ‘the cold’
keeping her asleep in bed, yet no-one else
succumbs to that extent; there’s no excuse

For me to sing snatches of favourite songs
and little ditties that well up as I reply to the
messages of a pen friend, my only kind of
confidante as a physical presence creates
embarrassment - another vice to those out
hunting egotism & selfishness, focusing on
another person’s need is supposed to void
these intrinsically sinful problems; - tho’ as
yet my focus hasn’t been successful, so

The written word’s my solace, like Vetinari
I detest audible voices spoiling meditation
on sweet lines, prefer delightful exchanges
without physical limitation drawbacks, such
as invasion of the Crocodile Castle - under
Scorpio - Lord and Master who creates the
best wonderland for me, the reptile lurking
in the pool - and the two little crocodiles…