Church of the Adagio
by Philip Dacey

THE ABYSS VARIATIONS

The abyss can dangle pretty from an ear.
He turned a corner, and there was the abyss.
At the border, I had only the abyss to declare.
“The abyss? The merest fiction,” huffed the abbess. 

The abyss complains it isn’t understood.
To cross the abyss, it’s best to pack a lunch.
Enjoy Abyss, the latest breakfast food.
Shoes by Abyss are fashionable but pinch. 

In bed, the abyss yawns, stretches seductively.
Why walk stooped if the abyss is eyelash-light?
Question the abyss, and all it does is sigh.
Chumminess and the abyss don’t mix; salute. 

Told his work was abysmal, he said thanks.
Invest in the abyss; it’s better than the banks.