Tuesday, March 28, 2017

THE EMPEROR COMES TO SNEDIKER AVENUE



My grandfather Max disliked emperors
On principle. Still, if Franz Joseph
Suddenly appeared on
Snediker Avenue,
Running for his life from his enemies,
Max would surely offer him shelter.
He might -- but only might -- tell his wife
That the Emperor was in their kitchen
Eating a large apple. It's possible
Max would think it better to let Esther
Find the Emperor herself  rather
Than having a discussion on how unlikely
A man so old and habit-bound
Had slipped off his throne and turned up,
Hapsburg jaw and all, in
Brooklyn.

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