After James Fenton

Let’s forget our homework. My eyes are bleary
And I get teary when I take a puff or two.
I’m hopeless and pedantic—
and incurably romantic—
And I’m in Princeton with you.

Yes I’m tired at the dusking day,
And tired of the games we play.
I’d usually just read a book
But that won’t keep me off the hook
From staying in Princeton with you.

Do you mind if we do not go to the towpath,
If we shout fuck off to the athletes at the window,
If we leave Lawnparties
And come here to this stuffy
Double dorm room
Watching Parks and Rec,
Your chin against my neck,
Learning how light fades,
Learning how time slows.

Don’t talk to me of work. Let’s talk of Princeton.
This little bit of Princeton in our view.
Your clothes are spilling from their drawers
It seems I’d rather stay indoors
When I’m in Princeton with you.

Don’t talk to me of work. Let’s talk of Princeton.
I’m in Princeton with every little thing you do.
I’m in Princeton playing cheap guitars
I’m in Princeton for the art, the stars.
Am I embarrassing you?
I’m in Princeton with you.