WHEN I AM SPEAKING TO THE MOON



I am really speaking
to Janet

The small woman
in a mouse 
costume
that lives inside it

Come back to me
Janet
I scream
up at the big rock 
poodle skirt
she hides inside

I remember 
the feel
of her fur
against

the bridge
of my nose

Then I see
Janet appear
in a dark boat

holding hands
with 
Philip

my rival
and evil
twin

Curse you 
Philip

I scream up
at the big rock 
halloween
mask

he hides behind

You'll never 
love Janet
the way 
I 
do

You tell em
says Carmichael

The novice priest
always 
floating 
over 

my right shoulder

in a white washed
hot air balloon

I scream
my thanks
and promises
of eternal
friendship

up to the big 
white ball 
of air

he preaches 
inside

But you'll never
be good enough
for Janet
says the devil

putting
his cigar out
on my left
shoulder

I scream in pain
and begrudging
agreement
to the big
immaculate white
business 
suit
he growls inside


__

Bob Schofield is the author and illustrator of The Inevitable June. He likes what words and pictures do.