Asking T.S.

“Please, sir, “ I began with trepidation

“Please, sir,” I began with hesitation

“Please, sir,” I murmured with velvet vocalization

“Please, sir,” I surrendered with no equivocation

“Sir, I’ve begun anew;

Sir, I wish to write like you;

Acquaint me with your vision;

Educate me in your particular ways;

Be unforgiving in your revisions;

Only show me how to bring my pen under my sway.”

I would have prostrated myself right then and there

If he had demanded that I do thus.

I wanted to gnash my teeth and tear my hair,

Shout obscenities, swear, and cuss.

But old T.S. remained absolutely placid,

My words stirred him not in the least.

Not even drinking the strongest acid

Would have perturbed his profound peace.

Disheartened, I finally gave up trying to move old T.S.

For the effort now seemed impotent;

But do not think I have abandoned rhyme, meter, or stress

For I still dream of penning words of importance.