Philately and Numismatics

Poetry challenge: Poem starting with word ‘Lately’.

Lately, philately and numismatics
have taken precedence in my life.
They replaced amateur dramatics
as among the cast there was strife.

Now that I do not tread the boards
I am at peace and can easily relax;
I won’t have to face hostile hordes
always intent on wielding the axe.

My acting triumphs can be written
on the back of a postage stamp.
It was because I had been smitten
by a soubrette who was a vamp.

I was hypnotised, my mind a blur,
couldn’t speak, was lost for words,
I wished to express my love for her
but could not use my vocal chords.

I didn’t have her stamp of approval,
she snuffed out the fire in my loins
and in my search for self-renewal
I turned to philately and old coins.

© Luigi Pagano 2019