January 2018
Perry S. Nicholas
perrynicholas53@aol.com​
I am a Professor of English at Erie Community College North in Buffalo, N.Y.  I have 5 books, 4 chapbooks, and 1 CD of poetry. I am married to Maria Sebastian, a well-known singer/songwriter, and we perform our poetry and music together at many venues in the WNY area. For more information please visit my website: www.perrynicholas.com

SUBMERGED
 

I spend the best part of my days
pretending not to seem forgetful, look feeble,
hear every syllable uttered in my direction.
I try not to wear old man sweaters.
 
Sometimes I detect your sounds as pings
underwater, my mouth falls open,
heartrate runs below the surface
like a submarine travelling under the radar.
 
Won’t you cherish me above ground, dear?
Memory so much to offer, though
not always at a master marine level.
I’ve enough self-awareness to change clothes,
 
enough energy to turn up when you fade,
love to lead the way into my decade. 
©2018 Perry S. Nicholas
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