To Byron

[just mercedes]

Is that a euphemism?

No, it's a theyphormism.

I don’t believe Byron


I don’t believe Byron
ate porridge for breakfast;
pancakes - maybe
poached eggs like young girls’ breasts
or peaches.

He wouldn’t puddle
in mucilaginous sludge
for the sake of his bowels
and slow glycemic uptake
would he?

I believe Byron
wore women’s underwear
painted the nails red
on his club foot.