free-verse16 lines
Partners
by Ellis Parker ButlerLove took chambers on our street
Opposite to mine;
On his door he tacked a neat,
Clearly lettered sign.
Straightway grew his custom great,
For his sign read so:
'Hearts united while you wait.
Step in. Love and Co.'
Much I wondered who was 'Co.'
In Love's partnership;
Thought across the street I'd go,
Learn from Love's own lip.
So I went; and since that day
Life is hard for me.
I was buncoed! (By the way,
'Co.' is Jealousy.)