Of elegant languor
with a tint of sepia
melancholy

The romance of
vague longing
and nostalgic bloom
a fading chrysanthemum
perhaps

Taking the promenade
panama hat and shades
suit sewn by hand and
long corporate umbrella

Macintosh and overcoat
by turns repel the
damp and cold

Cognac by the fire
and wistful glances with
widows in the hotel bar

Strolling on with
meaningless purpose
toward Edwardian
disaster