Some say the world is big enough for all of us
but I think you take up too much space
in the book review section.
I hate the way you
in the destructive element immerse
your meters and swift procession of tropes,
your book prize, your Japanese garden.
Here's the worst---
every time I see you with him
I feel the same hot surge I felt
when I realized I'd left the copper kettle on high,
all the water boiled out,
and I almost burned down my house.
Thank God your nose looks like a can opener
or I'd have another reason to detest
your ingenious blend of sentimental and sarcastic.
But if you phoned and said
"Let's go out to lunch"
I think, R., we could be friends.