Tenure Any Minute Now, Prof

When you think 

All those pesky bugs in your system 

Have finally been worked out, 

 

Done with and swept clearly 

Under the rug gracing your spotless 

Private study, and your smug 

 

Smiling mug looks content 

As all get-out, remember to remain 

Vigilant for any loose nuts 

 

That might still be underfoot 

Quivering, poised to bolt 

Out the door the minute 

 

You drop your guard. 

 

 

 

Taking Stock Of One's Self

—for Eleni, priceless as ever 

 

Yes, surely that is 

The only exchange 

Of goods worth keeping— 

 

Find the ones who truly love you, 

Love them selfsame in turn and never 

Give them away. 

 

 

 

 

Haiku: Modest Real Estate Investment Gone To Pot

 

Tilted mini hand- 

Powered tiller rusting in 

Weed-infested lot. 

 

 

 

 

 

Απελπισία Ενός Μετρίου Μετρημένου Στοχαστή

 

Από τον κόσμο το ζαβό, 

Μπήκα σε πυθάρι να σωθώ, 

 

Μα γαμώ την γκλάβα μου γαμώ, 

Δεν βγήκα Διγενής θαρρώ. . . . . .

 

Taking Stock Of Your Latest Knockout Poem

 

Once you think 

You have it 

 

Down pat, another audit 

Of its particulars 

 

Finds you don’t 

Recall where it came from, 

 

Nor where you’re at.