sonnet #1,638
I sought to see the loser, waged a whim,
At leisure, so doing I could take good stock,
There was a soothing silliness round him,
I felt impelled to patronise or mock.
I sat at stage left primping, pretty prim,
They'd smirked him either muscleman or jock,
I'd sussed that pickup, pudgy arms not trim-
Was it wry anecdotes cussed or knock-knock?
As he told his jokes, with abandoned pride,
My eyes moistened knowing his future furtive;
He was young as I, and swell assertive,
I shrank, I couldn't heckle him or hide.
I found his candour corny, meant to sway,
He was just what I wanted, my dismay.
(Chorus)
o sway
o draw
o magnetise