Tête-Bêche Poem by Herbert Nehrlich

Who would have thought
that man can live Old Riley's life,
perusing luxuries and walking proud and tall
he clings to trimmings and an image for a wife.
As years fly by he must attend to special needs
and be provider and for kin remain on call
there was a time when there was promise in his seeds
yet near the fork that splits his path he cries for nought.
He wakes reluctant to emerge a troubled man
before his eyes he sees futility and sleep
and in a moment he returns as Peter Pan.
There are his pirates and red Indians to behold
he is her flowerboy to cuddle to her breasts
no one to discipline, to question or to scold
a feast of talent, all to please her valued guests.
He wakes again, as Peter Pan, but with a smile
she pulls him closer into warm and willing flesh
inside his heart he sings the tune 'A Little While'
inside his mind he sees the image of tête-bêche.