In some home in Yonkers or in Flatbush

[PrinceMyshkin]

In some home in Yonkers or in Flatbush
a former potentate
stares woefully at his cold porridge
while his wife of twenty years,
age newly etched in her face,
wonders what exactly one gets
for $2,000 an hour,
minimum 2 - 3 hours...

[Pendragon]

"Lo, how the mighty have fallen..." I don't pretend to know what you mean behind your poems, Jerry, but I swear I almost hear the strands of Tammy Wynette's country song Stand By Your Man and wonder in this case why in the name of good sense?, you know, and see a certain video flash again and again-- He desperately trying to save face, sorry only that he got caught, and she looking pale and sick, but right there by her man... it boggles the mind...

[AuntShecky]

I know, alas, the subject of this piece, who the fallen "potentate" is. My only criticism is that in Yonkers and/or Flatbush the hot breakfast cereal is not referred to as "porridge" -- it's oatmeal or Cream of Wheat.

[PrinceMyshkin]

I know, alas, the subject of this piece, who the fallen "potentate" is. My only criticism is that in Yonkers and/or Flatbush the hot breakfast cereal is not referred to as "porridge" -- it's oatmeal or Cream of Wheat.

Well, if we're to be factual, the person I'm referring to does not live either in Yonkers or Flatbush but (no doubt) some grander place. I had indeed considered "oatmeal," aware that "porridge" was both British and Canadian but though I use alliteration sparingly, I couldn't resist the "potentate / porridge" alliteration. So (to quote someone) Sue me!

[firefangled]

I know, alas, the subject of this piece, who the fallen "potentate" is. My only criticism is that in Yonkers and/or Flatbush the hot breakfast cereal is not referred to as "porridge" -- it's oatmeal or Cream of Wheat.

Whether in Yonkers or Flatbush, if you're a potentate paying $2000 an hour, while putting your hi-toned face to wife, family and the world, I'm sure he has no qualms of making "porridge" out of Quaker Oatmeal, which by now must taste nine days old.

[ampoule]

In some home in Yonkers or in Flatbush
a former potentate
stares woefully at his cold porridge
while his wife of twenty years,
age newly etched in her face,
wonders what exactly one gets
for $2,000 an hour,
minimum 2 - 3 hours...


to walk away, I guess. ;) Too much else and he might not be able to walk. :blush: ...looking around...who said that?

Fire...loved the nine days old reply. I keep thinking of the Beatles...Number nine number nine number nine...

[blp]

So...who's it about then?

[Virgil]

It's an Ok poem Prince. I know what you're referring to. My one thought was why Yonkers and Flatbush, two very different neighborhoods? I guess that does make it more universal, rather than the specific incident it refers to. Spitzer might be one of those types who calls it porridge. ;) Frankly I doubt his wife is sitting at breakfest with him lately. :p

[blp]

Ah, got it.