20 JUNE 1987, Page 25

The Positive Cynic

Hunger to live in love taught us to lie, you to admire Der Bingle, me to imply I'd always put down books if you were by.

But don't think badly of us, wife, tonight.

Good sexual intercourse is such a delight that any means to get your end seems right.

Caught in these sticky strands, wanting release, you wince when I play guests my old L.P.s.

I smile, when you're too tired, and read in peace.

If you had been more scrupulous in stating your tastes, and said mine were excruciating . . .

If we'd waited for soul mates we'd still be waiting.

James Simmons