I have my scepter
my plaque:
Altruist of the Century.
Mom would be so pleased.
Yet I am not comforted in my old age
haunted by Freud, because
I am the kindest of all
Even so
after all
alone.
Knew a writer
once
Spoke a word to the Grand Witch
She fell
off her high horse
to vaporize a hack writer
who spoofed us
Lost her position though
a sister. Since then
I am the greatest witch
the kindest of all:
have healed the poor
restored the frogs,
made princes humble.
Let it be said.
I have
my awards, my scepter
so must I remember
the innocence of childhood when
I vaporized my sister
and Mom clapped. Oh how
Mom was such a great witch, and
she was so pleased
But I have been
so kind in my life
Even so
after all
alone
I have my scepter
my plaque:
Altruist of the Century
It’s been my goal
to love every stranger
send a blessing
in every incantation
I love you
my strangers.
May you be kind to all
Yet I have my scepter
and I am unloved, though
I am the kindest of all
Even so
after all,
I am unloved
I have my scepter
my plaque
I am so old
for a revelation, and
to find myself
the most powerful witch
ever
I have my plaque, and
no love
from anyone
I should have
listened to Freud
I hate everyone
with Grand intensity
What’s left but to
choose an auspicious day
I have my scepter, and
I am the most powerful witch ever
I am unloved, and
I will vaporize the world.
I will be alone, and
Mom will be pleased.
Sister forgive me, but
isn’t death charming
—Douglas Gilbert
Books by Douglas Gilbert
