One Night Only!
by Christianne Goodwin
The Museman looks askance
as his audience enters -
single spotlight dangling,
lighting only his hands
outstretched in unassuming
pose while his observers
strain to see him, murmur
and sit, but stay encoated.
For one night only
in glittering Moscow,
a pre-told visit from
the Devil himself!
The light rises,
all gasp in recognition
A figure revealed, bearing
the face of a dearest friend
Impossible! I knew it!
The bastard! By god,
is that my dog?
Hysterics turn to weeping,
pleading, noise rising like water
And no one notices
the Devil’s quiet exit —
All stumble out to find
their umbrellas stolen,
then hide under awnings
to catch cabs in the rain