Unrecognizable

      Why are you hiding beneath the staircase?
      Are you a thief come to rob me
      or just a joker out to give me a little scare?

      I see you better now but wish I didn’t.
      You’re taller than I thought but your clothes
      give you away, black as sin, outdated –

      No. No. I mean they are becoming to you,
      in an old-world way, like Bosch or Brueghel.
      I think I expected more of a Johnny Cash look.
      
      Pardon me but I don’t think I’m ready to go.
      Come on into my living room
      and let’s talk this over like two adults.
      
      Thank you. Now sit back in the La-Z-Boy
      and rest your weary bones.
      Can I give you some advice?
      
      Good! You know, you look like Hell, empty sockets
      and bony hands, enough to scare the dead.
      If I were your PR guy I think
      
      I would recommend a complete makeover with
      blonde hair and flesh face, a full-figured female 	
      look. Ditch the cape and the hooded cowl.
      
      People would line up to follow you,
      to join the “Black Angel” brigade;
      your current image is appalling.
      
      I feel you are ignoring me completely.
      Why don’t you put your scythe back in the violin 	
      case. Let me pour you a bloody mary.
      
      Oh! Is that your hearse parked outside my door?
      Look! The cop is ticketing you for an expired tag.
      Why don’t you take care of things while
      
      I slip out the back door wearing a false moustache,
      a painted face, very big shoes
      and my clown suit so as to be totally
      
      Unrecognizable.				
       
	   
	(First published in Snoozine - 2024)