Academic Graffiti

Henry Adams
Was mortally afraid of Madams:
In a disorderly house
He sat quiet as a mouse.

Mallarmé
Had too much to say:
He could never quite
Leave the paper white.

Thomas the Rymer
Was probably a social climber:
He should have known Fairy Queens
Were beyond his means.

Paul Valéry
Earned a meagre salary
Walking through the Bois,
Observing his Moi.