My Three Hoboes

In the bullion bar of a bright hotel I gave three tramps a splendid feed. Though I was poor, I fed them well, Knowing the acreage of their greed. All around, the double-chinned, The thin and plump of various ages, Lacquered with privilege, golden-skinned Because they paid the sun good wages, Laughed and drank and did not see The scruffy hoboes I'd brought there; In fact, they did not notice me But we watched them with our reptile stare. We watched the blonde boys and their trulls Whose taut instructive favours draped Hard uniform of bones and skulls; We eyed the stout papas and gaped At slender daughters' pulchritude But not a glance came back our way As I provided yet more food For my rough guests. I always pay When my familiar vagrants come To these palatial joints with me - Lust and loathing and the other bum, Envy, strongest of the three.