There are words elusive
I have looked up many times
only to forget their definitions,
like forgetting someone’s name
embarrassed by my lack of recall,
wishing they had a name tag
at which I could surreptitiously glance
while hoping they won’t notice.
Equally embarrassed
(though only to myself)
I have to look up these elusive words, yet again:
perspicacious and soporific
attenuate and lachrymose
prolix and mendacious.
I wish they came with little name tags
I could glance at unobserved
as I read them on the page.
