Two Poems William Bernhardt Bernhardt Page 1   [Listen to readings of these poems.] Deck Party The woman in the billowy black dress loudly says she will sit by herself so as not to bother anyone. It is her way of asking to be invited to join their little conversation group. She will not be invited. She is too broad, too other and she is not married so she will sit alone, occasionally exchanging words with the handful of other women who have lost their husbands or never had them. The young woman has been accepted. The other wives were reluctant, and remain guarded, but the husbands have warmly embraced her, as does her spouse who is at least thirty-five years her senior. They are more forgiving, or perhaps she represents something to them a spark they do not want to relinquish or fear has been extinguished. "Ford is up two-and-a-half points," remarks Fred of Chicago obviously uncomfortable with so much free time. "I never gamble," replies Linda, who is celebrating a birthday at least fifteen years younger that her actual one. "Who will get sick next?" frets Pamela.