THE ASSASSIN

David Ray

In the dream the assassin keeps forgetting

to do his chore, doing me in, though he has every intention

of keeping his contract. He just keeps dropping asleep, that’s all.

He’s an unemployed cabdriver, has grown a hobo’s beard,

simply can’t get it together. But he’s got the fee

in hand, dirty crumpled-up cash, and he’ll get round to it,

proving that sooner or later he can do something worthwhile.

Sure, he can do something right, give him time. His name is Bob.

As soon as he gets this done and gets himself a shave

he’ll stand up straight, self-respecting,

stroking his smooth scented chin like a new man.