John Ashbery: "The Picture of Little J.A. in a Prospect of Flowers (*1)"

he was spoilt from childhood 

by the future, which he mastered

rather early and apparently

without great difficulty.

—boris pasternak

"Darkness falls like a wet sponge
And Dick gives Genevieve a swift punch
In the pajamas. “Aroint thee, witch.”
Her tongue from previous ecstasy
Releases thoughts like little hats.

“He clap’d me first during the eclipse.
Afterwards I noted his manner
Much altered. But he sending
At that time certain handsome jewels
I durst not seem to take offence.”

In a far recess of summer
Monks are playing soccer."