Wendy & Betsy

[WENDY:] Signs of contemptible times! [BETSY:] You still dance with an arm to your side? [WENDY:] Our hands to be empty & still Asleep on the windowsill if it be your will... [BETSY:] Is last winter's prize winning Norwegian Forest outside!? Could I try on your lilac dress? Wendy? {light of my life!} (And you know the rest) So I take from your stare You've got a lesson in there? [WENDY:] Well they say the Institute made A perfected replica blade for the Ancient of Days [BETSY:] While you dial the priest I'll tell Princess to try the police... [WENDY:] We could start the 3rd World War! [BETSY:] But then what good would scripture be for? [An absence of calm in the air as the temperature fell on the new concierge at the Carriage Hotel] [WENDY:] Word has it the younger McKim girl's not well... [BETSY:] ...you remember that story with the mermaid and the actor? [WENDY:] Betsy, the bones of the prophets we saw! The mob throwing stones at the Bethlehem wall! [BETSY (in grandiose tones, raising right paw in Jacques Louis David Tennis Court Oath gesture):] All joking aside, five fingers wide Should the bed of the bride be despair Tell your parents it's true Though I'd never physically hurt you I do know some Arabic prayers But I left what was left of my self-respect Like a Swiss army knife on the ground And a pocket of coins at the IDF checkpoint By what some call 'the Temple Mount.'