Sonnet:Second Childishness

'Second Childishness' but not yet 'Oblivion'
by John Boase
© 2002

Old Harry Henley in the nursing ward,
Plays with his ancient cock instinctively;
As if in hope his zest might be restored
By sympathetic, kindly deity.
'Oh come on, Harry, put your thing away!'
(The Duty Nurse, she's used to Harry's ways);
Most times he'll stop, some times his hand will stay
With petulance of childhood, second phase.
One aide will bring his gristle full erect,
She's busty, young, wears skirts extremely short;
He sees her, pumps away, the wags suspect
She's not averse to get him overwrought.
The women in the ward don't bat an eye,
They can't remember what he pulls, or why.