231/365/Poetry and Form

I still like this bit of mimicry. Every being who attended this party is mentioned, and everything said about each person is true, or at least has basis in truth. (For the Noel Coward on which it is based, look here. He performs it here.) The baby mentioned in this poem turns nine on September 1.

I’ve Been to a Marvelous Party

with thanks to Noel Coward and our hosts

I’ve been to a marvelous party
With Mad’son and Mimi and Shayne.
We could all be outside
In rare lack of collide
Of clouds bringing quotidian rain.
The hosts put out bowls of sangria
And selzer to fizz up your pour.
Dear Deb had a drink for the first time in weeks,
Which was probably good, as her guests were all freaks
(Some having come after swimming in creeks!).
I couldn’t have liked it more.

I’ve been to a marvelous party.
Natale was in from L.A.
Deb’s brother Jim,
Who’s uncommonly slim,
Kept the table from floating away.
The guests were to fill out the potluck
With gourmet temptations galore,
So Lali brought some of her famous goat cheese,
And Ali, a hot dish with fresh zucchinis,
And Mary’s confections brought us to our knees.
I couldn’t have liked it more.

I’ve been to a marvelous party.
Soon Monty arrived with the Veuve.
When asked if he’s maybe
Prepared for this baby,
He said no (but has requisite nerve).
The baby will be here in August—
Quite likely in three weeks or four.
We marveled at Sarah, so great now with child.
(Some of us find reproduction très wild,
our own needs for progeny terribly mild).
I couldn’t have liked it more.

I’ve been to a marvelous party.
Most everyone gave me a hug.
Darling Ron was there, even,
Smiling slyly, and Steven
Just sold Parker Posey a rug.
Shayne and Mimi got into a dog fight,
Which failed to provide needed gore.
Lizzie was learning to read others’ auras.
Tom told a tale of lead-poisoning horrors.
Dan got the ’scope out to look at the star-ars.
I couldn’t have liked it more.

I’ve been to a marvelous party.
Ed drank his iced rum and coke.
Paul did his thing
To remain Garnish King
And Kate married some Tim guy named Hoch.
Dona wowed us with yoga positions
To get us all onto the floor.
Sioux brought an odd sculpture that made us all stare,
Sir Duke made no mention of “found underwear,”
And Aidan, on Wii, made a left-handed spare.
I couldn’t have liked it more.

I’ve been to a marvelous party.
Some guests were cavorting with yaks.
The kestrels were flying,
The sunlight was dying—
We all seemed at last to relax.
And in the crepuscular moments
Up bubbled an esprit de corps.
The Milky Way shot through the dark, moonless night.
The bonfire gave off some wood smoke and light.
We were all rather grateful for the invite.
I couldn’t have liked it more.