The Party
Everyone started talking about the drama critic
As soon as she left. "Did you see what she
Was wearing?" The Presidents of Harvard, Brown, and Duke
Were quoted deploring recruitment practices current
On their campuses. Would you say that these gentlemen
Are sincere? I would unhesitatingly do so!
I happen to know them and can vouch that each
Is an honorable man, and is married to the mother
Of the eye-turning theater critic whose power
To make or break a play is unparalleled in New York —
Lovely to look at, quick with a quip, easy to love —
Yes, but none of them has the backbone to stand up
To the power-hungry yahoos who want to destroy
The written word in the name of personal liberation!
(DL, 1992)
pictures by DL 2023
photo by Elaine Equi