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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CONSTANT POET, by                    
First Line: Once more, my muse, 'tis time to be invoking
Last Line: And she's my wife.
Alternate Author Name(s): Daly, T. A.
Subject(s): Love; Names; Poetry & Poets


ONCE more, my muse, 'tis time to be invoking
The offices of good St. Valentine.
This year 'tis Phyllis' name that I am yoking
In verse with mine.

Last year it was a ballad to Miranda,
The year before a triolet to Dot.
No doubt I seem a fickle goose -- or gander --
But I am not.

I hesitate to contemplate the number
Of female names I've fashioned to my rhyme,
Whene'er I rouse my weary muse from slumber
About this time.

I've breathed my love for Dolly, Grace and Cora;
In other years I've run to Nell and Belle.
How many times I've yearned for Bess and Dora
I cannot tell.

Now in the charms of Phyllis I am basking,
And all the love I bear her must be told.
For if it's not, my Mary will be asking
If I've grown cold.

The secret's out! The name's imaginary;
I never knew a "Phyllis" in my life.
All names are merely pseudonyms for "Mary,"
And she's my wife.





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