CONCEIT

– for Jack Spicer

It’s like needing another man in the outfield,
a power hitter, or a new pitcher, and trading

the shortstop that made this year’s all star team
for a back-up catcher and an utility infielder,

all in one deal, and what a bargain—
a bargain like niceness without honesty,

agreement without articulation, an endless
masquerade, consecutive stand-up doubles

by the opposition with the bases loaded,
none out in the ninth, and the winning run is on.