Narcissism

Narcissism comes

at the wrong time in life,

comes when your young body

is easy to love,

your stomach muscles virtuous,

when water beads up

not down into crannies,

when the “turn of your ankle”

doesn’t mean a limp.

But it would be better stored

for the day your aging body

desperately needs someone

to stroke its folds, roll fingers

around its plenitudes,

protuberances,

to look in the mirror

and say,

               “You’re lookin’ good, baby.”

©2020 Muriel Thumm

I heard love was running out

So, I thought,

I’ll be out of love?

or nearly?

I have none in the bank?

None to be had at the store?

Love has run out.

I always thought it was plentiful,

that I could dip my hand in the creek,

come up with enough for a mouthful.

That it poured off mountains,

city streets were awash in it.

Every subway train, cross-town bus

contained it like the pool man’s

tanker truck full of love

coming to fill my pool.

I will stand here, chin up,

mouth open and wait

for replenishing.

©2020 Muriel Thumm

Oriental Poppies

All of my red-headed girls

Dropped their tresses last night

On the lawn and stand bald-headed

Looking back at me.  I smile

Knowing them in their dishabille

To be lovely at heart.

©2013 Muriel Thumm