Who Needs Novels?

Our two ladies, once settled,

lean in, the better to hear;

for, of course, they whisper,

for privacy, for greater intimacy,

one speaking, one listening,

turn and turn about,

all politely conducted,

eyes fixed, spellbound,

bewitched by the hushed words,

the mobile lips divulging all,

a hand touching a forearm

for emphasis or in horror,

faces grave with pleasure,

lovers, lovers of the drama,

of the human condition

in all its intriguing sordidness.