by Steven Kent

“Women are giving their partners the ‘illiterate boyfriend’ test”
—The Guardian

You lack both verve
And brains—yes, you!
Come on: hors d’oeuvre,
Faux pas, and queue?

Though French I’m not,
I swear a smart
Young polyglot
Could win my heart.

Antío now,
Auf Wiedersehen,
Adieu, and ciao.
Don’t call again.