A twill and threadbare poorhouse,
a school.
Broods drilled by unsullied nuns
into sullen lines.
The muted squeak of timid mice
as new brown leather boots
attempt to skip,
though skipping is an offense
behind the fence.
We are tagged, and fed tapioca,
led to cold toilet blocks
to scrub ink-stained fingers
with bricks of green carbolic,
while outside
rosery beads click impatiently.
Rain or shine; strays,
tykes and orphans
are made to march through,
a gray flannelled time
for God knows what reason,
or for God knows what
dark twisted rhyme.
Tapioca and Tea
I like tapioca
I like tea
Just not together in this new fad, bubble tea!
Soft and sweet tapioca pudding
With bubbling, steamy milk
Sprinkled with sugar, nuts and raisins
Flavored with nutmeg spice
Creamy, toasty mixture
Cozy treat
Smash!
creamy
tapioca
fresh and warm from oven
my hazel eyes get big as I
anticipate the glorious first bite
it is better than expected
not enough of it though
tapioca
yum yum
Tapioca (Free Verse)
I’ll always be thoughtful and treat you well
Mi amor
If you want for food, it will always be there
Mi amor
I’d protect you from the gates of hell
Mi amor
Whatever you desire is yours
Mi amor
But you cannot have my tapioca
Feb. 6, 2003
The Knight’s Crusade (Villanelle)
Dearest damsel, thou art my life
If thou want for food, it will always be there
I will offer comfit and other gourmet fare
Whatever jewels ye desire I present to you
Be it Australian opals or Colombian gold
Dearest damsel, thou art are my life
The ravages of nature may threaten thee
But I’ll cool thee in the brutal heat
and warm thee in the bitter cold
I will slay where all the dragons dwell
I'll protect thee from the gates of hell
Dearest damsel, thou art my life
My strength and resolve to win thy love
I will defy the gods above
Until my labors bring fruition
all these enumerations that I have stated
I promise thee with all my heart
Dearest damsel, thou art my life
But thou cannot have my Tapioca
May 4, 2014
Makeover Contest Roy Jerden
Ralph Sergi March 26, 2015
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