The Ofi Press Magazine

Poem by Marcus Cumberlege (Belgium)

Published in Issue 31 (August 2013). 

For more informaation about Marcus' work, go to his website at: http://www.marcuscumberlege.com/

VARIATIONS

on the theme of the Perfect Man

for Lotte

“He is Dionysian up to the waist

Apollonian up to the neck

And a blend of both in the head

Provided he has not been

Decapitated by a Vandal

Mutilated by a Protestant

Incarcerated by a Catholic

Confiscated by a Schoolmaster

Masturbated by a Moralist

Incinerated by a Nationalist

Provoked by a Pacifist

Or simply

Decimated by his fellow-men”

Said a delightful German Lady

Passing through London

On her return from Israel

Over Easter.