Catullus #2

Sparrow, my girl's little lover,
the playmate she cradles in her breasts
and cruelly teases with her fingertips
to provoke another shrill attack—
when my desire shines too bright,
laughing about something precious
offers a little solace for her pain,
and thinking that such a deep fire
might subside, I want to play with you
as she does and forget my problems.

***

I am as grateful as the limber girl
was to the golden apple that undid
the tight sash she'd worn so long

Copyright © 2003 Rick Snyder All rights reserved
from Jubilat
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission