Three Blind Mice

Three Blind Mice

The beach

Now a narrow strip

Dotted with boys

Waiting…

Silently.

The grim mood

The darkness of the island

Aware all at once of

The uncomfortable meeting,

Disliked Perpetually.

This meeting must be

Business…

Not fun.

No chasing imaginary thoughts.

The declining sun

Lost behind him.

The wind rolling

Noisily among dry leaves.

A dozen boys

No wit

No enduring

Came straight away

To the assembly.

Ralph,

The chief

Had to be wise

Had to think

Had to lead.

He paused

Clearing his throat.

Ralph went on.

And on.

And on.

Assembly roaring

Throughout the darkness

Someone called out.

“Too many things.”

The sun was slanted.

Shadows-

Where they ought to be.

Jack stood in the gloom

Scowling and holding

Out his hands.

Ralph protested

“I haven’t finished yet!”

Grumbling,

And mumbling

Under his breath.

Jack sat.

When the meeting

Ended,

Jack spoke,

Fear cannot hurt you-

Any more then a dream.

A lot of crybabies and

Sissy’s sat silently.

Frightened-

By the beat like nightmares

The make liluns

Scream at night.

Mucking about the dark

Ralph-

Open-mouthed

Moved restlessly.

Chief-

Who was chosen.

Does it make a difference?

“Go on

Be chief.”

Remote and

Unearthly.

Darkness

Chilled them

Three Blind Mice.