Tuesday, November 11, 2025

PART I

 

Two days before St. Jerome intends to appear in a dream

His lion comes by to make arrangements.

Eccentric though he is -- homeless, speechless

And spending his daylight hours dozing in doorways

On Seventh Avenue -- the saint retains his self-respect

So you must avoid any of your sillier

Or more horrifying dreams -- no naked shenanigans,

No monsters, no jump scares, no fanged vegetables.

Since Jerome hasn't spoken since half-past

The Fall of Constantinople you must, as I am,

Be fluent in sign language in your dreams.

The day after your dream the lion returns

To pick up whatever Jerome left behind --

A comb, say, or some rusted keys or a red cardinal's hat.

No comments:

Post a Comment