Behold I bring you tidings of great joy—

especially now that the snow & gale are still—

for Henry is delivered.

Not only is he delivered from the gale

but he has a little one. He’s out of jail

also. It is a boy.

Henry’s pleasure in this unusual event

reminds me of the extra told at Hollywood & Vine

that TV cameras

were focussed on him personally then & there

and ‘Just a few words … Is it what you meant?

Was there a genuine sign?’

Couvade was always Henry’s favourite custom,

better than the bride biting off the penises, pal,

remember? All the brothers

marrying her in turn & dying mutilated

until the youngest put in instead a crowbar, pal,

and pulled out not only her teeth but also his brothers’ dongs & no doubt others’.