THE LANDLORD

Mr. Espeland is coming to collect the rent.
He likes us.
He gives us bananas and pound cake
  because, he says, we are too thin.
His wife, (May Her Soul Rest In Peace)
Just loved bananas and pound cake.

Mama says, "Mr. Espeland is a SAINT!"
And even though he drinks and gambles,
His heart is in The Right Place!

Mr. Espeland is The Landlord and
  doesn't eat bananas or pound cake.
He is not thin
  especially around the waist.

BEAUTY IN FLIGHT

She sparkles down the street
  like phosphorous dancing in
    the wakes of boats at night.
She bobs her greetings to smiling
   faces along her
    brief, happy flight
And turns the heads of
   those she passes
     regardless of rank.
Never does
    she give a thought
        to being pretty.
She takes her beauty lightly
    as she sparkles down the street.