I listen to the engine running;
its idling speed is smooth and strong.
While top performance isn't stunning,
it does keep pottering along.

The air intake is quite efficient,
not spoiled by smoke pollution yet;
the fuel filter is sufficient
to keep all vital feed lines wet.

The chassis starts to feel its age though;
the bodywork shows signs of wear;
the starter motor won't engage so
the engine needs especial care.

For if it stops, despite how clever
all the intelligent functions are,
they don't continue on forever -
it's me that dies and not my car.

The Well of Loneliness

We've certainly progessed some way

to understanding 'inverts'

since twenties cowardly disapproval

labelled them as perverts.

For what was there to censure but

her 'thespian' male attire

which foolishly served to advertise

her lesbian desire ?

Unselfish love eschewed the curse

of masculine brutality

and woman-ness did not indulge

in phallus promiscuity.

So though the book's a bit too long

without a lot of loneliness,

her writing it may well have helped

some later people's happiness.

That you say "No" you won't come out with me
disappoints but strangely leaves me free
from indecision long endured
instantly cured
amazingly.