Hal Sirowitz

Hal Sirowitz was born in New York City in 1949. He received a B.A. in English literature from NYU, an M.A. in special education from Hofstra, and has taught special education in the New York public school system for almost 20 years. He is the Poet Laureate for the Borough of Queens, New York.

WHEN YOUR HAND IS YOUR TRUE LOVER

Even if our relationship didn't
work out, she said, at least you
got something from it - a nice
long break from masturbating.

SEXY UNDERWEAR

I know you like buying me underwear,
she said, but what am I going to do
if people at my job keep asking
whether you bought me anything yet -
drop my pants & give them a look?

THE MISSING RING

If you intend to marry me,
she said, shouldn't you
have gotten me an engagement ring?
All my friends say, "Did he
get you one yet?" I tell them
he's working on it. They say
he doesn't have to make one.
He only has to buy it.

THE TWO-WEEK METAMORPOSIS

I noticed you at this bar
two weeks ago, she said.
I was hoping you'd talk
to me, but you must prefer sluts.
Every woman I saw you with
looked like one. Now that you've
decided to talk with a respectably dressed woman
I just want to make sure you're aware of the
difference.

WHERE YOU CAN'T LOOK

I'd like to take off my pants
to show you my tattoo, she said,
but it'd be better if I waited
until our next date, so you'll
have something to look forward to.