TWO VIRGINS - An Ode to John and Yoko

Come. Let us now set aside Our separate pasts
Here let us begin:
Two virgins.
No masks
Will I set before you,
Nor will you wear mine. 
Let us set the stage
Here sit you, Sir, right there-
Now: pour out the wine
A toast and we shall While away this very night
In high argument And metered rhyme.~
Do your worst, Be not kind
Throw at me Your sharpest arrows
Lay caltrops fit to pierce My mincing pride
Stretch my vanity On the vivid rack
Of your integrity.

I swear with equal passion I will reply
“Think you so to best me, Sirrah! Not I!”
Lean forward into the light
Bring down your brows
Fix well my face,
Ignore the vile distractions
As our traitor hands Conspire to trace
Another story In each others palms.
Ignore them!

Mold your discourse:
Oh I beg you Do your very worse
Bite out your every word With rapier grace;
Lay out your argument,
All the intricacies of lace.
Make me earn my victory,
So while our fervid minds contend
Our gentle fingers touch, And still we pretend.
I now lean in to deliver One final triumphant jibe,
And find my own hand blocks it
Fingers spread wide;
Hopelessly, helplessly Trying to hide,
My mouth - swollen And pregnant With kisses:
It also will not lie.


Manuela Cardiga