The Atoll

Paolo (cont.)
While I trod water Silvio and Felix
Swam strongly different directions veered
Combatted undertow with furious strokes
As bookends scaled a steep soaked pebble beach
Myself I threw a sidestroke then a backstroke
A dogpaddle at it whatever would
Manoeuvre me beyond stroppy elements
I gulped air my heart beat in my feint head
Miguel
This is the special price of vanity
I saw her list of fine invited guests
I was intrigued and flattered totally
Elite peers draughted worthy company
The shipping magnates who came up from scratch
The multiple award burdened physicists
The beautiful society hostesses
And their impeccably fresh debutantes
The exiled military dictators