Two Poems for Thom Gunn

After Catullus

Heyho, loverboy
is that a radioactive isotope you've got
burning through your shirtfront
or are you just glad to see me?

                              Chump -
you couldn't bear it at her age
much less now.
Had you supposed the years made you pliant?
Look at yourself,

flesh hanging off you
same as the old fucks you take steam with
at the gym.
Better lay off the piss, buddyboy.

Think she doesn't notice?
She sees plenty.
Ask her girlfriends. Ask the hard-bellied punks
she has it off with in the dark.

Why don't you stop licking your nuts in the corner
like an injured tom.
...