AT HARVARD SQUARE (1974)

With a range of slights
in a literary conversation
language has its interlude
from an arbitrary relation

Here at table
the somewhat enlightened
jealous in contradiction
poke fun at Nixon

With poor pronunciation
for a dedication
the few patrons
in a nightfall of speculation

At Harvard Square
the menu is all set
for Yankee pot roast
and green tea

A young university man
has the latest news
of ancient archaeology
in a parchment of the Jews

Another critic dedicates
with a mind of curiosity
takes out sheet music
of his latest virtuosity

Delighted minds
wonder about politics
or what of our poet's
newest panegyrics.