Connie Bensley: Apologia

My life is too dull and too careful -
even I can see that:
the orderly bedside table,
the spoilt cat.

Surely I should have been bolder.
What could biographers say?
She got up, ate toast and went shopping
day after day?

Whisky and gin are alarming,
Ecstasy makes you drop dead.
Toy boys make inroads on cash
and your half of the bed.

Emily Dickinson, help me.
Stevie, look up from your Aunt.
Some people can stand excitement,
some people can't.

Connie Bensley: Permissive society

Wake, for the dawn has put the stars to flight,
And in my bed a stranger: so once more,
What seemed to be a good idea last night
Appears, this morning, sober, rather poor.