unlike
other
boys

alan
ireland




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Butlin's Beauty

I punish your perfection
with the cruel caress
of this corrupted kiss:

a surreptitious slash
that leaves your lips
as ragged as the rocks

your breasts and thighs
so brashly advertise.

With my pencil
I excoriate your crotch,
inscribe a blotch

of pubic hair above
a brisk bouquet
of cock and balls.

Shocked, averted looks avow
that no one wants you now.