Edward, The Later Lear

1.

The filthy eponymous owl, of course,

Chose unwisely among his daughters,

Old fools and young ones preferring

Form over content, arched crescents

That ache like the glowing moon,

A perfumed Hitler's moustache

Bedizening an oracle's cruel confection,

Hence the much de-constructed,

Pursued and eschewed MALE GAZE,

The Lear, our Edward a less

Notorious descendent and rumpled

World-traveler, Abstract Expressionist

2.

Stains on his trousers and shirt,

Besotted with hopelessly proud women,

Watercolor scenes, religious schemes,

Gone to sea in a pea-green boat singing,

"What a beautiful pussy, you are, you are,

What a beautiful pussy you are!"

And what a beautiful centuryv

Of consensus, to ignore blithely

The impolite and preserve for all

The darker pleasures of decorum,

Our fevers of desirous adoration

Taking the shape of a picture or word.