DEATH OPENS UP TO

OLDGUY: SUPERHERO

OK, I’m your nemesis, but we’ve got
a lot in common: you look like me
warmed over. So here’s a secret
I’ve never shared with anyone: I

go trick-or-treating every year.
It’s the only time I don’t feel lonely,
there with all the kids dressed up
as ghouls and zombies. Some even

dress as me, which makes me feel
popular, like Oprah or Punxsutawney Phil
or maybe one of those guest celebrities
on Dancing with the Stars. I could dress

better, and I already own the rights
to Danse Macabre. Of course, candy
goes right through me, but it’s nice to get
presents for a change, even stale ones,

instead of fish eyes and death rattles.
And I’ve kept my self-esteem, despite
what you may have heard from Donne,
with his be-not-proud pop gun.