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